Zoo Keeper and Aquarist Apprentice x 2

Overview

We are ZSL, an international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives, and we are 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

Two exciting positions of Keeper and Aquarist Apprentice’s within our Animal Operations Department at Whipsnade Zoo. The Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship steered by ZSL has been created in collaboration with the Institute for Apprenticeships, BIAZA and over 25 top UK Zoos. These positions are 2-year fixed term contracts, during which time post holders will work across 4 of the 8 different sections gaining experience and knowledge working with a wide variety of different animal species. Post holders will work for a duration of 6 months on each of the 4 sections and will carry out their apprenticeship qualification whilst working across these sections. The Apprentice will typically spend 24 months on-programme working towards the occupational standard, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Working with a range of animal’s species on 4 of the 8 animal sections: Primates, Birds, Deer & Antelope, Large Hoofstock, Ectotherms, Elephants, Predators and HUB.
Preparing of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.
Assisting with record keeping via a Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), including personal relevant observations of animal behaviour, health, and welfare.
Assisting senior keepers, and other colleagues, with veterinary, training, and other relevant animal related procedures.
Supporting positive visitor experiences by good customer service and professional visitor engagement.
Preparing a portfolio to support the End Point Assessment for the apprenticeship scheme.
To be committed to and complete all aspects of training related to the job and apprenticeship.
Being trained by a senior member of the team in positive reinforcement training.

Person Specification

Being able to work in a large team.
Attention to detail and the ability to follow strict protocols.
Good communication skills, teamwork, and experience of dealing with the public are essential.
This is a physically demanding position, working outside in all weather conditions.

Please note: The position is located at Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable and working hours are an average 37.5 per week worked within an annual roster, which includes bank holidays and weekends. Full manual driving licence is essential. The advertised salary includes weekend enhancement.

To download a copy of the job description please click here

To Apply

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 wzhr@zsl.org

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59), Sunday 21st March 2021

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

To learn more and/or apply please click HERE

Reach the right people. Advertise here.

This vacancy has been posted out to the many thousands who read the popular Zoo Jobs Blog Page and then on to the 129,400 plus followers of the ZooNews Digest Facebook Page. It is then immediately forwarded on to Twitter and then to Pinterest and Linkedin (8,000+ connections). Many vacancies are shared to individuals and groups. In short your vacancy will have the potential of reaching something in the region of some 80,000 plus people within 24 hours. Most of these people are working in a zoo environment, Keepers, Curators, Vets, Zoo Directors, Trainers, Aquarists and more.

ZooNews Digest has subscribers in over 1200 Zoos in 150+ countries. Zoo professionals are International.

The number of people who will actually read the posted vacancy will actually be considerably less. Usually this will be between two hundred and three thousand. This will depend on the type of post, the time of the year and where it is located…of course not all will apply. I wish you the very best of luck in finding the right candidate for your post.

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