Monday, April 12, 2021

Qualified Animal Keeper – Predators

Qualified Animal Keeper – Predators

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 qualified keeper to work on the Predator section at London Zoo. The role will involve the day-to-day husbandry of mammals including Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers, African hunting dogs as well as a range of smaller mammal species including Asian short-clawed otters, coatis, dwarf mongoose and meerkats. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high standards of animal welfare and husbandry, be involved in training and enrichment programs and also respecting the importance of daily observations, communication and record keeping. Applicants must have a passion for working with a variety of animals within a Zoo environment and experience with high security animals is fundamental. 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.

· Adhere to the highest industry standards of zoo husbandry and welfare.

· Clean and maintain 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

· Proven practical experience of animal management with a range of exotic species with an interest in large carnivores. Experience working with large carnivores would be ideal.

· Have strong attention to detail and safe working practices with high security animals.

· 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.

· Be a positive influence on section and work well in a team environment.

· 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: Flexible working is required for this position which will include working alternate weekends and bank holidays. Applicant must also be presentable, flexible in their approach and totally reliable.

To Learn More and/or apply please click HERE

If it's not posted here you may not reach the right candidate

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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