Senior Animal Keeper - Primates

Senior Animal Keeper - Primates

(Full-Time / 1 Year Fixed-Term Contract)

ZSL - London Zoo

Salary: £30,875 p.a. (Inclusive of London Weighting and Weekend Enhancement)

Overview

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct.

Role Profile

ZSL is seeking a Senior Keeper to work on the Primate section at London Zoo. The role will involve full aspect husbandry of Gorillas, Gibbons and Monkeys. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high standards of husbandry, safety, observations, communication and record keeping. Previous Gorilla keeping experience will be a distinct advantage. Experience of dealing with the public is essential, together with the ability to work effectively within a team. Working hours are 37.5 per week, worked within a roster which includes regular weekends so flexibility regarding hours is crucial.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in a responsible, safe and efficient manor around high security animals
• Observe the behaviour, health and security of animals and report any problems to the Team Leader or manager including defects or repairs required to enclosures and relevant departments required to support work needed
• Assist & develop training and enrichment programs on a regular basis
• Cleaning and maintaining of exhibits and other designated areas
• Assist with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures
• Communicate efficiently with public to increase public satisfaction and support the ZSL mission

Person Specification

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven practical experience of animal management with a range of zoo animals
• Proven experience working with Primates and preferably Gorillas
• Passion to work on evolving husbandry management within zoological collections to include positive re-enforcement training for behavioural management and varied methods of enrichment for a range of species.
• Knowledge of techniques used to handle specific animals should veterinary procedures be required.
• Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department without always waiting to be asked.
• Have a qualification in a relevant field at university level and/or diploma in the DZMAA Keeper’s course or equivalent work experience.
• Be reliable, have good time-keeping and attendance record and able to demonstrate leadership and professionalism.

Please note: We are looking for candidates to start as soon as possible. Flexible working is required for this position which will include working alternate weekends and bank holidays. Daily finish times might change with short notice.

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Sunday 29th March 2020.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.

What Makes a Good Zoo - A Personal Journey

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0) 93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com https://iizc.org/ | Skype: peter.dickinson48

Animal Warden

Animal Warden

Wild Planet Trust - Paignton Zoo

We are looking for Seasonal Animal Wardens to join our Mammal team for our 2020 Season.

If you are a friendly, outgoing person who enjoys meeting people and working in an amazing environment this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

You’ll play a key role in the overall experience of our guests. You’ll be the face of the Wild Planet Trust for every guest that walks through Lemur Woods and meets you as they explore the zoo so we’re looking for staff who have a positive attitude, strong work-ethic, enjoy working with people and are passionate about delivering the highest standard of guest experience.

You will be responsible for supervising the behaviour of our guests in Lemur Wood and be able to give talks and answer questions about the animals, whilst working alongside our Volunteer team.

We are looking for confident and enthusiastic people, who can engage with our guests, promote our conservation work and answer their questions. Therefore, excellent customer service skills are essential as well as good public speaking skills.

Previous experience of working with animals and an awareness and understanding of animal husbandry requirements is an advantage. Duties will also include food preparation and enclosure cleaning.

Hours are variable to suit the needs of the business and will include weekends and school holidays

Benefits include:

• Branded uniform provided (as required)

• Relevant internal and external training provided

• Free entry to our 3 zoos for staff and immediate family

• Complimentary tickets

• Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)

To apply please complete the online application form on our website: www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/about-us/vacancies

What Makes a Good Zoo - A Personal Journey

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0) 93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com https://iizc.org/ | Skype: peter.dickinson48

Primate & Bird Curator

Primate & Bird Curator 

zoOceanarium Group specializes in developing and operating world class aquariums, zoos and nature-based science centers.  We provide services from concept design to managing daily operations and everything in between.  With employees from all over the globe, zoOceanarium Group consists of animal care specialists, animal trainers, veterinarians, design specialists, project managers and operational staff.

zoOceanarium Group is continuing to expand their team and looking to recruit a talented Primate & Bird Curator for an exciting zoo project in Ethiopia. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day husbandry operations in the Primate & Bird section. Your responsibilities will include the care, wellbeing and management of all animals under their and their staff’s care; maintenance of all BOH & Exhibits, and positive management of all staff within the section.

Duties:

•        Manage, support and supervise all staff within their section to ensure highest level of safety, courtesy, education, efficiency and operational readiness at all times.

•        Assist the Head Curator in ensuring compliance with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, rules and regulations on their section.

•        Ensure animal care and BOH & Exhibits meet compliance of facility specific policies and procedures.

•        Assist the Head Curator to coordinate the maintenance and operation of all life support systems and other technical systems on their section.

•        Assist the Head Curator to manage the schedule of the animal staff to ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained for all animal husbandry needs and habitat maintenance, Including Buddy systems for Primates.

•        Assist the Head Curator to develop educational opportunities and experiences in order to maximize revenues and guest experience.

•        Maintain up-to-date electronic animal records on animal health, animal behavior, (including enrichment use) diets and water quality.

•        Monitor and identify the effectiveness of exhibits, including comprehensive review and improvement of landscaping, planting, theming, visitor viewing and animal care standards.

•        Assist the Head Curator to manage and control department and company objectives and key performance indicators

•        Communicate and co-ordinate work with other curatorial staff and veterinarians for medical checks, procedure, preventative medicine, and medical issues for their section.

•        Assist the Head Curator to co-ordinate the acquisition, disposition, breeding and sale of animals in accordance with the overall animal collection goals.

•        Animal Acquisitions – assist with pre-shipment requirements for incoming or outgoing animals.

•        Assist the Head Curator with the co-ordination of animal emergencies, including animal escapes, accidents etc. - Communicate to response team.

•        Develop and periodically review protocols for procedures and facilities in the area with Head Curator.

•        Development of animal training programs and continuing education of area staff with Head Curator.

•        Co-ordinate the daily husbandry, maintenance and welfare of all animals in the area including medications, diets, feeding procedures, and protocols for exhibit, cage cleaning, disinfecting etc. on their section.

•        Ensure relevant paperwork is completed, including medical records for animal collection specimens, daily reports, and time cards, medical records, work orders, zoo correspondence, write technical reports.

•        Co-ordination of Events, VIP and animal handling experiences with Head Curator.

•        Other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

•        Competitive salary.

•        Housing stipend.

•        Paid time off.

•        Health insurance.

Position Requirements:

•        Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the zoological field, with at least 7 years of bird species, and primates experience.

•        A recognized zoo related qualification.

•        Extensive animal species knowledge, including handling, training and management techniques.

•        Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

•        Experience managing large multicultural teams.

•        Exceptional leadership skills.

•        Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

•        Experience managing departmental budgets.

•        Creative problem solver.

Please send a one-page cover letter with your resume to recruitment@zooceanarium.com with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

What Makes a Good Zoo - A Personal Journey

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0) 93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com https://iizc.org/ | Skype: peter.dickinson48

Aquarium Curator (maternity cover)

Aquarium Curator (maternity cover)

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Applications are invited for the position of Animal Curator at Bristol Zoological Society. As a conservation charity, the Aquarium at Bristol Zoo houses 3000 fish of over 100 species ranging from the endangered goodeids to the American paddlefish.

The Aquarium Curator will have a passion for fish conservation and have significant knowledge and experience of husbandry and welfare for the animals, water chemistry management and complex life support systems and their maintenance.

The successful applicant must have management experience and be well accustomed to working within small teams. Understanding of budgets, collection planning, zoo licencing requirements and day-to-day operational management within a public aquarium setting will be an advantage.

The Aquarium Curator should be able to communicate effectively with their colleagues, such as the Aquarium team, the other Curators and the Head of Animal Collections. The ability to demonstrate creative vision and a flexible, proactive approach to problem solving will mean that you are able to deliver novel concepts and effective life support systems to ensure enclosure and staff development.

Ideally, you will have a degree level qualification in marine and/or freshwater biology, animal care or equivalent. A valid SCUBA qualification or PADI Rescue or equivalent would be beneficial.

To apply for this position please apply online  at https://bristolzoo.org.uk/aquarium-curator   

Closing date for applications is: 20th Mar 2020

What Makes a Good Zoo - A Personal Journey

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0) 93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com https://iizc.org/ | Skype: peter.dickinson48

Senior Aquarist

Senior Aquarist

Exploris Aquarium

Job Title: Experienced Aquarist

Responsible to: Head Keeper, Manager and Directors

Contract: Full-Time (Permanent)

Salary: £22,000pa

Free accommodation is provided a short distance away from the aquarium for a period of 3 months to the successful applicant.

Job Description:

Our animal care team work hard to maintain and deliver Northern Ireland’s 5-star aquarium and reptile attraction. The Senior Aquarist, reporting to the Head Keeper, provides suitable husbandry to the aquatic animals, including, but not limited to, daily observations of dietary and behavioural habits, cleaning and maintaining assigned exhibit and holding areas, tracking inventory, and keeping accurate and up to date records.

The Senior Aquarist will need to independently judge and use their initiative to problem solve when necessary, keeping animal welfare at the forefront of any decision.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for the daily oversight of the animal care team, ensuring that related projects are progressing, and leading the daily activities of Aquarists while serving as a role model.

Job Responsibilities:

• Works in collaboration with the head keeper to establish and maintain best practices based on industry standards to fulfil job responsibilities.

• Responsible for the daily care and husbandry of aquatic collections which include marine and freshwater fish, invertebrates, mammals and reptiles from temperate and tropical ecosystems.

• Practices good judgment in decision-making as related to animal care, emergency situations, and projects, particularly in the Head Keeper’s absence and with minimal interruptions to the public.

• Daily duties include but are not limited to: cleaning exhibits internally and externally, prepping and feeding food, treating any injured/diseased individuals as necessary, making observations and recognizing abnormal animal behaviour/appearance, acting upon/reporting such observations in a timely manner and completing all necessary records and paperwork thoroughly.

• Assists with acquiring specimens through organization of transfers/purchases with other zoological institutions, suppliers, and when required, by participation in collection.

• Assisting in veterinary procedures as necessary.

• Assist with procurement of supplies and equipment.

• Assists in the advancement and implementation of exhibit goals by contributing to the design and management of the exhibit development.

• Serves as the main point of contact between aquatics staff and the Head Keeper and is accountable in the Head Keeper’s absence.

• Under the direction of the Head keeper will assist with developing husbandry staff through training and increasing productivity and efficiency.

• Trains, develops, and oversees the work of work experience, Interns, and Trainee Aquarists.

• Fosters and supports a fun, team approach by having excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative spirit.

• Leads by example by having a positive attitude, practicing high standards, modelling professional workplace behaviour, and maintaining a supportive team atmosphere.

• Taking a lead role in planning of events, public talks and outreach work.

• Any other duties as required by the Head Keeper

About you:

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field required OR equivalent experience.

• 3+ years of progressive levels of responsibility providing daily husbandry to a wide array of aquatic animals, preferably at a BIAZA-accredited institution. 1+ years of experience training/supervising others highly preferred.

• Knowledge of modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioural enrichment, exhibit design, nutrition, disease, training, water chemistry, animal transport, PVC plumbing, and Life Support Systems

• Must have experience with quarantine procedures and aquatic animal veterinary procedures.

• Specific knowledge of temperate and tropical ecosystems.

• Strong observational skills with a high attention to detail to ensure high animal welfare standards are maintained.

• Sound judgment and ability to use initiative for effective decision-making.

• Must have a valid full clean UK driver’s licence.

• Knowledge of safe animal handling practices and maintaining a safe working environment.

• Strong computer (MS Office programs such as Excel, Word, and Outlook) and organisational skills.

• Demonstrated leadership ability; experience mentoring others preferred and able to work with a diverse range of colleagues in order to get the job done.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule which includes weekends and holidays as required.

Desirable Requirements

• Rescue Diver Certification or the ability to get the certification within 6 months of start.

• The ability to pass annual HSE dive physical requirements.

• Knowledge of HSE Scientific diving in a commercial setting.

• Experience in a variety of breeding programs including jellyfish, marine fish and crustaceans

• Experience of the culture of various live feeds used for nutrition of marine animals.

•  Experience working with mammals and reptiles

• Knowledge of Zoo licensing process

Closing date for applications is: 23rd Mar 2020

TO Apply for this vacancy:

Download and complete application form from: www.explorisni.com/careers

Please send all completed applications along with a CV to Matt@explorisni.com

What Makes a Good Zoo - A Personal Journey

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0) 93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com https://iizc.org/ | Skype: peter.dickinson48

Experienced Zookeeper

Experienced Zookeeper

Tayto Park

Tayto Park Zoo is looking for TWO experienced zookeepers who are passionate about all things wild and are excited to work in our growing zoo. Located just 30 minutes from Dublin, Tayto Park opened its doors in 2010 and continues to be one of Irelands most visited attractions. We are a small zoo and currently participate in over 20 ESB & EEP’s.

With over 80 different species, an ideal candidate will –

• have 2+ years working in an accredited zoological collection

• be able to demonstrate that they have experience with

• training and handling birds of prey for free-flying demonstrations. Presentation skills are also desirable. Please follow the link to see our exciting and dynamic World of Raptor display which you could be part of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSZ5i9Xm-KI

and/or

• avian species such as red-crowned crane, southern ground hornbills, Edward’s pheasants. Some experience working with domestic hoofstock is also desirable

• Completed DMZAA or if successful be willing to complete the course; or have another relevant degree or animal care course

• be self-motivating and able to demonstrate that they can identify and prioritise tasks

• be enthusiastic and have a broad range of knowledge in areas such as conservation, current zoo research, animal welfare and enrichment

• be proactive and have previous experience with animal training

• have excellent communication skills

• have experience using ZIMS

The successful candidate will have the opportunity –

• to work with and care for a variety of unique and interesting species including tayra, bush dog, large felids, callitrichids, barbary sheep, southern ground hornbills, Steller’s sea eagles, African white-backed vultures, red kites, and Eurasian lynx to name a few.

• to further progress their knowledge and career by attending relevant, certified CPD courses courtesy of Tayto Park

• to be involved with and contribute to in-house research projects

• to contribute to the future development of the zoological collection

Other information:

Working hours are 45 hours per week, working five days Monday to Sunday. The candidate will have 30 days of holidays per year (inclusive of Bank Holidays). Starting salary is €27,900.

Staff benefits include:

• 30% off Entry & Wristband for family and friends

• Unlimited free entry & wristband per employee

• 30% off 1 x Seasonal Event per year for up to 5 individuals

• 20% Discount off Retail, Concessions & Food & Beverage

• €5.00 staff rate on meals at all food outlets

• 30% off birthday party for family and friends

• Free Tea/coffee with Tayto Park re-usable cup

• Free onsite parking

• PPE supplied

To find out more about our zoo, our keepers and the work we do, then please follow the link http://www.taytopark.ie/zoo/news.

So if you’re looking for a new adventure then please send your CV and cover letter to jobs@taytopark.ie by Friday March 27th. Please reference ‘Zookeeper 2020’ in your email.

What Makes a Good Zoo - A Personal Journey

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0) 93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com https://iizc.org/ | Skype: peter.dickinson48