Team Manager – Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates

Team Manager – Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates

Chester Zoo

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and, despite all the challenges that 2020 has thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Team Manager to join our Reptile, Amphibian and Invertebrates team.

The role:

Support the Curator/ Deputy Curator in achieving departmental and team objectives including prioritising and developing conservation, research and educational initiatives in the Zoo.

Lead and develop your team, providing individual training and development opportunities and ensuring effective performance management with available resources.

You ensure that accurate and effective policies, procedures and SOPs are in place, that knowledge is shared within the team, you have back-ups for key activities and that documentation is audited. Oversee the management of team operational budgets.

Maintain the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare.

Maintain highest standards of exhibitory. Ensure the effective upkeep of buildings, enclosures and equipment within your control, liaising with other departments as required.

Participate in internal meetings providing support and information as required in support of the Society’s mission. Ensure effective communication within your team.

Participate on request in relevant external groups and Associations in UK and overseas, representing the Society’s views on Animal husbandry conservation, with the aim to meet the society’s mission.

The ideal candidate:

• A HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent practical experience.
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• Have experience working as herpetologist in a zoological or conservation–breeding facility.
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• Leadership experience, experience of supervising a team and be able to organise and prioritise tasks in a dynamic environment.
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• Have a strong work ethic, prioritisation process and adaptability.
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• Be an enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated team player.
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• Have outstanding observational skills and excellent attention to detail and be committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of animal health and welfare are met.
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• Have a proven track record in delivering high standards of herps and inverts husbandry and exhibitory.
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• Have a thorough knowledge of herpetology and entomology conservation practices.
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• A thorough understanding of the contribution that ex situ populations can make to education, science and conservation.
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• Have a thorough knowledge of herps and inverts training techniques.
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• Will demonstrate excellent communication skills.
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• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous for this role.
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• Have a good understanding of risk assessments and safe operating procedures.
•  
•  

This role may involve representing Chester Zoo and the LV&I team for media interviews and internal and external meetings workshops and conferences. Therefore, excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.

The salary for this position is £33,373.43 per annum and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at http://www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

Closing date for applications is: 14th Aug 2020

To apply for this position, please go to www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/, select the vacancy and click 'Apply Now' to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Team Manager – Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates role.

Read 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

Team Manager – Parrots and Penguins

Team Manager – Parrots and Penguins

Chester Zoo

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and, despite all the challenges that 2020 has thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Team Manager to join our Parrots and Penguins team.

The role:

Manage & develop a team of Keepers, ensuring the highest standards of husbandry & welfare for animals under your care, in support of the Curator/ Deputy Curator and the Society’s mission.

Support the Curator/ Deputy Curator in achieving departmental and team objectives including prioritising and developing conservation, research and educational initiatives in the Zoo.

Lead and develop your team, providing individual training and development opportunities and ensuring effective performance management with available resources.

Ensure that accurate and effective policies, procedures and SOPs are in place, that knowledge is shared within the team, you have back-ups for key activities and that documentation is audited. Oversee the management of team operational budgets.

Maintain the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare.

Maintain highest standards of exhibitory. Ensure the effective upkeep of buildings, enclosures and equipment within your control, liaising with other departments as required.

Participate in internal meetings providing support and information as required in support of the Society’s mission. Ensure effective communication within your team.

Participate on request in relevant external groups and Associations in UK and overseas, representing the Society’s views on Animal husbandry conservation, with the aim to meet the society’s mission.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent practical experience.
•  
• Have experience working as an aviculturist in a zoological or conservation–breeding facility
•  
• Have considerable leadership experience, experience of supervising a team and be able to organise and prioritise tasks in a dynamic environment.
•  
• Have a proven understanding of risk assessments and COSHH is essential for this role to ensure all staff members are fully aware of safety and management procedures.
•  
• Have a strong work ethic
•  
• Be an enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated team player
•  
• Have outstanding observational skills and excellent attention to detail
•  
• Have a proven track record in delivering high standards of avian husbandry and exhibitory
•  
• Have a thorough knowledge of avian conservation practices
•  
• Have a thorough knowledge of bird training techniques
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• Demonstrate excellent communication skills
•  
• Have competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous for this role
•  
• Have a good understanding of risk assessments and safe operating procedures
•  
• A full clean UK driving license

This role may involve representing Chester Zoo and the Parrot & Penguins team for media interviews and internal and external meetings workshops and conferences. Therefore, excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.

The salary for this position is £33,373.43 per annum and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at http://www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

To apply for this position, go to www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/ and click ‘Apply Now’ to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Team Manager – Parrots & Penguins role.

Read 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

Keeper

Keeper

Dartmoor Zoological Park

Dartmoor Zoo are looking to employ a Keeper within the Animal Department. The successful individual will have relevant experience, good communication skills and a passion for all aspects of animal husbandry.

Set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland with some stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a fantastic collection of animals, Dartmoor Zoo is a unique family day out in the beautiful South Hams of Devon. Our animal collection includes tigers, lions, zebra, gelada, lynx, cheetah, wolves, tapir, capybara, meerkats, a fantastic collection of invertebrates and reptiles and much more.

There has never been a more exciting time to join our dedicated team; with multiple new species having arrived in the last few months and more set to join us later in the year. The zoo has many future development projects planned.

In this role you will work closely with our enthusiastic keepers to provide high standards of animal care for all mammal and bird species, incorporating the latest advances in husbandry. You will be accountable to the Curator and Senior Keepers and work alongside other keepers to assist in overseeing Entry-Level Keepers, placement students and volunteers. Previous supervisory experience and a genuine interest in helping to train the next generation of zookeepers would be advantageous.

You will be a good team worker, able to motivate others, as well as show initiative and have a positive outlook. You will work regularly on all rounds and play an integral role in training and enrichment, in addition to maintaining animal enclosures. For full details, please see the role description below.

The successful candidate will:

· be enthusiastic and hardworking

· have a minimum of three years full-time employed experience within an animal department of a zoo

· ideally have the DMZAA (or ANCMZA) or BSc (Hons) Zoology or related subject

· have a keen eye for detail and a good awareness of health and safety requirements

· gain knowledge of biology, ecology and captive requirements of animal species

· be able to work in extreme outdoor weather conditions

· have experience with a variety of species including large category one land mammals

· be computer literate and able to carry out daily record keeping (previous use of ZIMS desirable)

· have good verbal and written communication skills

· be able to work within a department team, both as a team player and using one’s own initiative

· have good organisational and time management skills

· be available to work on weekends, bank holidays and special events when required

Dartmoor Zoo offer a competitive salary and holiday package. Two fixed days off per week.

Role decription:

In a Nutshell

To promote DZP’s work in the captive management and breeding of the animal collection by working on the daily husbandry routines of the animal collection under the direction of the Senior Keepers, Head Keeper and Curator. 

These are your main tasks

Prepare and distribute food and water to the animals, following prescribed diets

Maintain high standards of cleanliness in all animal enclosures, public viewing and off-view areas

Monitor the animals carefully for any behavioral, reproductive or medical problems

Provide enrichment specific to the species requirements to fulfill their natural behaviours and play a direct role in the DZP’s animal training programme

Ensure the animals’ accommodation is maintained to a high standard for the safety and well-being of the animals and the attractiveness for the public

Be responsible for the basic maintenance of locks, slides, hinges etc on the animal section. To watch for, and report, any deterioration in any hatch cables etc.

Maintain accurate record keeping

Assist in providing routine and emergency medical treatment to the animals as required

Assist with the capture and restraint of animals when needed, whilst minimising the stress on the animal

Answer questions from the visiting public in a courteous and informative manner, and carry out visitor experiences

Adhere to all prescribed safety and emergency procedures to ensure the safety of animals, staff and the visiting public

Provide assistance, information, training and supervision to entry-level keepers, visiting students and volunteers 

Partake in any training required by DZP, and assist in duties not necessarily associated with the animal department as required

Please complete the application form (visit https://www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/get-involved/jobs/) and e-mail to hannah.webb@dartmoorzoo.co.uk or Miss Hannah Webb, Acting Curator, Dartmoor Zoological Park, Sparkwell, Plymouth. PL7 5DG by Friday 14th August. Only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted, and interviews will take place soon after.

Read 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 Keeper - Elephants

Animal Keeper - Elephants

Located in the picturesque village of Woburn, Bedfordshire; Woburn Safari Park is home to some of the world’s most magnificent and endangered animals.  Today it forms part of the Bedford Estates, which also includes Woburn Abbey, Woburn Golf Club and The Woburn Hotel. 

Animal Keeper - Elephants
Woburn Safari Park is currently looking to recruit an Animal Keeper to join the Elephant team. 

Woburn’s Elephant Herd consists of 4 Adult Asian elephants and our juvenile, which are managed primarily in free contact. 

Duties will include daily husbandry and management of the elephants including training, washing and exercising.  The successful applicant will be required to work as part of a close knit team and will be able to demonstrate the good communication skills required for regular elephant presentations and special experiences. 

The ideal candidate would be required to have the following:
- Experience working with elephants in a zoo environment or similar, within the UK or Europe - essential.
- Experience working in a free contact environment with elephants - desirable.
- Experience in the training of Category 1 animals - desirable.
- Work well within a team and be able to supervise and develop work experience students.
- Flexible approach to work and working hours.
- Current full driving licence.

The position is full time working 5 days out of 7.  As this will include regular weekend working, a flexible approach to days / hours is required.

Applications welcomed from Trainee up to and including Senior Keeper/Deputy Manager.

For further information, and details on how to apply, please visit our website:
https://www.woburn.co.uk/job-vacancies/vacancies/?cat=region&type=woburn-safari-park&info=JUL20200411

Closing date: Sunday 23^rd August 2020

Read 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

Bear Care Group board member and advisor volunteer positions

Bear Care Group board member and advisor volunteer positions

The Bear Care Group (BCG) is looking to expand the skill set of our board by seeking applicants with more diverse backgrounds for volunteer roles on our Board of Directors, and advisors with specific expertise.

The Bear Care Group was founded in 2008 with a mission to foster improvements in global bear welfare and conservation through communication, cooperation, and education among international bear care professionals by:

·       Advancing and sharing information on bear behavior, husbandry, enrichment, training, veterinary care, and other welfare-related topics.

·       Organizing bear care conferences and workshops focused on educating and sharing information to improve global bear welfare.

·       Producing publications and resources to support bear care professionals in achieving excellence in bear husbandry and care.

Specifically, we are looking for applicants that may have the following skills and experience to fill a position on the Board of Directors:

·       Running a small non-profit organisation

·       Strategic planning

·       Report writing and editing

·       Project/volunteer management

·       Bear rehab/release experience (outside North America)

We are also looking for advisors for our Board of Directors that have the following skills and expertise:

·       Marketing

·       Graphic design

·       Legal expertise (in the NGO field)

·       Polar bear expertise

·       Andean bear expertise

·       Bear conservation/biology/ecology/in-situ research

If you are interested in joining our cause and have some of the above skills or expertise, the BCG would be very interested to hear from you! Below are some of the main duties involved with being a volunteer board member or advisor.

 Main duties for a board member                                                                                                              

•       Bring new ideas to the board on how the BCG can improve bear husbandry and welfare

•       Assist with the preparation and delivery of conferences and workshops where required

•       Assist with writing and editing documents, statements, media where required

•       Help research resources to update website

•       Increase participation

•       Assist in monitoring BCG social media channels

•       Hours: average 2 hours a week, although this increases significantly when part of the conference or workshop committee. Frequent (Skype) meetings are scheduled throughout the year.

 Main duties for an advisor                                                                                                              

•       Assist with specific projects or tasks related to the advisor’s expertise when requested

•       Advise the BCG on specific topics when requested

•       Assist board members with conference or workshop content related to specific expertise

•       Serve as a resource for social media inquiries related to specific species expertise

•       Hours: the amount of time will vary depending on specific projects or requests.

Board members should have ex-situ bear care skills and experience. Both board members and advisors need to have good communication skills and be able to respond to emails and messages in a timely manner. A probation period of six months is applicable.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the BCG, please send a letter stating the added expertise you would bring to the BCG and a brief resume to i nfo@bearcaregroup.org

Read 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