Experienced Keeper

Ventura Wildlife Foundation

Hertfordshire

Start Date: April 2021

Salary from £15,000 upwards according to qualification and experience.

Will consider freelance individuals for this role.

The Ventura Wildlife Foundation is an exciting new non-profit organisation dedicated to worldwide wildlife conservation and education. We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional, and reliable individual with relevant exotic animal keeping experience and skills to implement daily animal care at our 15-acre private conservation centre.

Our facility is located within the grounds of Cassiobury Farm in Watford, Hertfordshire and is home to a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. The centre is set within beautiful natural grounds consisting of various lakes, meadows and forest which are home to an array of native species ranging from various water bird species through to bats and other mammals.

Exotic animals of note include grants zebra, red kangaroo, fossa, various callitrichids and lemur species, binturong, pelican, flamingo, Galapagos tortoise and African dwarf crocodile.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

· Preparing and distributing food and water to animals.

· Supervising and providing direction to a team of dedicated volunteers, interns, and other keepers.

· Assisting with the development of volunteers, interns, and other less experienced keepers.

· Monitoring the health of animals and reporting animal health concerns to Wildlife Directors.

· Maintaining accurate animal records.

· Maintaining animal enclosures to a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene. This includes carrying out basic enclosure repairs and improvements where required in coordination with our maintenance team.

· Monitoring stock levels of food and bedding.

· Carry out talks, private animal experiences, tours and answering enquiries from visitors in a professional and engaging manner.

· Caring for the overall grounds of the conservation centre, including watering plants, gardening, and general cleaning.

· Assisting with conservation projects where necessary including on site native wildlife projects and local river clean ups.

The ideal applicant requires:

· Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience working with and providing daily care for a variety of exotic animals including birds, reptiles, and mammals.

· A good level of physical fitness as this is a largely outdoor and physically demanding position.

· A personal awareness, passion, and determination to work with wild animals and to contribute to global wildlife conservation and education.

· A desire to share and educate people about conservation through interaction.

· Strong all-round animal husbandry skills and good general animal knowledge.

· Excellent leadership skills and the ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a small team.

· Experience of using ZIMS and keeping animal records.

· A full valid manual driving licence with experience of driving vans and other vehicles is essential.

· Must have the right to work in the UK.

· Applicants must ideally be located within a sensible commuting distance from Watford, Hertfordshire.

· Hold a recognised animal management qualification.

· Knowledge of Health & Safety risk assessments advantageous.

· A flexible approach to working hours is essential. Normal weekly requirement is to work 5 days per week which will include weekends and bank holidays.

Closing date: March 31^st 2021.

Applicants must ideally be able to start in April 2021.

To apply please email a CV (with two references) along with a covering letter to: info@venturawildlifefoundation.org

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