Zoo Jobs: Animal Keeper - African Experience Section

Animal Keeper - African Experience Section

Salary commensurate with experience

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

Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, in conjunction with the Aspinall Foundation, are a charity based organisation committed to protecting rare and endangered animals from extinction through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. The parks are home of one of the world’s most prized wild animal collections and are one of the biggest visitor attractions in Kent.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team of dedicated African Experience keepers at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. The section comprises of various species including; Rothchild Giraffe, Black Rhino, Ostrich, Eland, Chapman Zebra and Blue Wildebeest among others.

The main duties will involve:

· Observing the behavior, health and security of animals and reporting any problems

· Cleaning and maintaining enclosures

· Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors

· Assisting with the movement and transport of animals

· Contributing to the enrichment of the species on the section

You must have experience working with animals, gained in a mainstream zoological collection and a full valid driving licence is essential. You will possess excellent all-round animal husbandry skills, combined with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

This is a physically demanding position, so candidates must have a good level of physical fitness. Experience of driving tractors is also essential to the role. It is desirable that you have previous experience of working with Giraffe, along with a broad understanding of species’ biology, husbandry and welfare.

This permanent role is 40 hours a week working 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: Monday 6^th September.

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