Zoo Jobs: Seasonal Animal Keeper

Seasonal Animal Keeper

Role Purpose and Dimensions:

We are looking to recruit a seasonal animal keeper and zoo host to join our team, on a fixed term (June/July – September) part-time contract (3 days), delivering a high standard of visitor engagement. It is highly likely that for the right candidate more hours will be available.

The Role:

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and passionate about wildlife, with the skills required to communicate this to our visitors.

The main components of this role are to deliver basic husbandry routines under the guidance of the Animal Collections Manager and deliver our hugely popular animal experiences programme as well as carrying out our daily talk and feed schedule as instructed.

You will need to deliver a high-quality service including ensuring that everything is in place before experiences start, meeting and greeting the participant when they arrive and answering any questions that they may have. You must have excellent communication skills and have the ability to deal with any problems that may arise and know where to direct these if required.

You must be able to demonstrate knowledge of modern zoo practices relating to husbandry, nutrition, enrichment and veterinary care as well as understanding the importance of research and conservation activities.

The successful candidate would desirably have previous experience working with animals, or in a similar role in a zoological collection (preferable but not crucial) and preferably hold a relevant qualification in animal management.

The position includes a large amount of educational work, including providing guided tours.

The Successful Applicant:

E = Essential D= Desirable

•Exemplary hygiene standards. (E)

Preferable Relevant qualification (or working towards one). (E)

• Previous experience working within a zoological collection. (D)

• Motivated and enthusiastic individual who can work alone and as part of a team. (E)

• Good verbal and written communication skills. (E)

• Good organizational and time management skills. (E)

• Ability to work as a member of a team and go that extra mile. (E)

• Computer literate. (D)

• Wide knowledge of biology, ecology and captive requirements of taxa relevant to the collection. (D)

• Flexible approach to work and ability to work under pressure. (E)

• Full clean driving license is preferable but not essential. (D)

• Good understanding of health and safety within the workplace. (D (Training provided))

HOURS OF WORK & PAY

This is a fixed term (6 months), part time contract, on a flexi rota system which includes weekend working and bank holidays as well as sometimes working early or late to meet business needs.

The regular hours of work for this position are 8am – 5pm.

Rate of pay will be in line with NMW.

INTERVIEWS:

Interviews will be held at our earliest convenience.

Unfortunately, we cannot conduct interviews over the telephone or Skype etc.

CLOSING DATE:

This post will stay open until the position is filled. Please assume that if you have not heard back within 4 weeks of submission you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Regrettably, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

APPLY: enquiries@hemsleyconservationcentre.com

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