Sunday, June 23, 2019

SENIOR ZOO KEEPER


SENIOR ZOO KEEPER

Start Date: July 2019

Overview:
Ventura Wildlife Park is a family run wildlife park located in Ware, Hertfordshire. We pride ourselves on being a small and interactive park where guests of all ages and abilities can discover a variety of species including: zebra, fossa, lemur, tamarins, squirrel monkeys, red kangaroo, hutia, raccoon dog, African spoonbill, scarlet ibis, Fiji iguana and prehensile-tailed skinks, amongst many others. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented individual to join our team as a Senior Zoo Keeper, to support the management team as we expand our animal collection, and to help oversee the daily running of the keeping team to ensure our exceptionally high standards are maintained throughout the park.


The Role Involves:
·      Supporting Lead Keeper, which includes covering them on days off.
·      Organising daily staff, volunteers and work experience tasks.
·      Identifying staff training needs and helping to deliver relevant staff development.
·      Helping to create and monitor animal diets.
·      Accurate animal observation and ZIMS record keeping.
·      Ensuring veterinary care is implemented where required.
·      Regular stock taking and placement of orders.
·      Day to day animal husbandry tasks.
·      Delivering public talks, school visits, animal experiences and interactive animal encounter sessions for both onsite and at offsite events.
·      Maintaining high standards around the park.
·      Delivering first class visitor experience.
·      Undertaking cleaning, gardening and basic repair tasks when required.
·      Ensuring that everyone adheres to strict safe working practices.
·      Working effectively as an individual and as part of a small team.
·      Initiative- managing own time and that of others.





Skills & Requirements:
·       Minimum of 3 years paid experience working with a range of exotic animals in a zoo or similar environment.
·       Ability to be a responsible and professional leader whilst still being able to follow instructions.
·       DMZAA or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
·       Sound animal knowledge covering wide range of taxa.
·       Flexibility and practicality to respond to daily challenges.
·       Strong levels of initiative and a proactive can-do attitude.
·       Excellent written and communication skills.
·       First class customer service and guest interaction skills.
·       Excellent time-keeping and time management.
·       Full clean UK or EU driving licence essential. Minimum age of 21 years or over plus 3 years’ driving experience required for insurance purposes. The role will require the suitable candidate to drive vans and other vehicles.


How to apply:
Please send your CV (including two references) and a cover letter by email to adminmanager@venturawildlife.co.uk
Your cover letter must outline why you are interested in the advertised role, your suitability for the position and your availability to start should your application be successful.

All applicants must be willing to attend an interview and complete a trial day at the park prior to starting.

NB- Due to the number of applicants we receive we are unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants









photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

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