Head Keeper – Gorilla Section

Salary commensurate with experience

Plus a living out allowance or possibly, on-site accommodation.

The Aspinall Foundation is a registered charity that is actively involved with several projects incorporating a diverse range of conservation activities both at their Kent based Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve and overseas projects in the Congo, Gabon, Indonesia and Madagascar.

We are currently recruiting a Head Keeper, for our world-renowned Gorilla Section at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. Reporting directly to the Animal Director you will be required to oversee the management of the gorilla collection and personnel with duties including:

Production of a section plan for the animals based at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve.
Assisting with the planning and transport of animals for our ex-situ projects.
Recruitment, development of the team, conducting performance appraisals and dealing with disciplinary issues.
Assisting with the development of trainee keepers and providing guidance to interns and volunteers.
Maintenance of animal welfare standards.
Reporting any animal health concerns to the Animal Director and liaising with the on-site veterinary team when required.
Managing, preparing and distributing diets.
Completing the time management system for the section.
Liaising with the Animal Director’s Assistant for feed orders and departmental supplies.
Maintaining enclosures to a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness as well as assisting with the general repair and improvement of enclosures when required.
Giving talks, encounters and answering enquiries from the public in a helpful and polite manner.
Communication with other departments to keep them informed of developments within the collection.
Representation of the company in media or external talks when required.

The ideal candidate must have:

Significant experience as a senior Keeper, which must have included working with Gorillas for a substantial number of years.

· Worked in a zoological collection or similar, to at least deputy head of section level, and be a highly organised, self-motivated individual with a proactive approach.

An in-depth understanding or Gorilla nutrition, husbandry and successful breeding programmes.
Excellent leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.
This is a physically demanding position so candidates must have a good level of physical fitness.
A full valid driving licence.
Be accurate in written work with good attention to detail, possess excellent organisational skills and be computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Outstanding all-round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of the species.
Be comfortable interacting with the public and delivering talks.
An awareness of current conservation issues and a passion for animal welfare.
Holding a recognised Animal Management qualification and knowledge of all aspects of H&S including risk assessments would be an advantage.

Working 40 hours per week, worked 5 days out of 7 including weekends and bank holidays, the successful candidate will have a genuinely flexible approach to working hours.

All applicants must have right to work in the UK.

Closing date: Tuesday 4 May 2021

To apply: Please email a CV along with a covering letter to: personnel@aspinallfoundation.org

Visit our website at www.aspinallfoundation.org for further information

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