Zoo Jobs: Keeper / Presenter

Keeper / Presenter

Job description

Keeper / Presenter – Maternity Cover 12 month contract

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Animal Keeper to join our zoo family at a time of growth and expansion, where you will help to shape and mould the animal collection and range of services offered! We are currently developing a brand new zoo, so although the position is currently offered for a minimum of 15 hours per week with overtime available it may lead to a permanent position once we open our new facility.

Please note that this is not a trainee position, although in house training will be provided where required.

The Company

Zoo2U is a family run business with a heart for outreach into the local community. Our mission is to ‘Interact, Educate and Inspire’ all those we come into contact with. We use a hands-on approach with our unique collection of exotic animals, making them friendly and comfortable with human interaction. In turn, we can offer amazing animal experiences suitable for curriculum-based school sessions, special needs therapy, kids clubs and more!

This is a very exciting time to join the company as we are opening a brand new zoo in the heart of Cheshire East! Our aim is to be an affordable family attraction which is fully sustainable with a strong conservation message. We hope to be open by the Autumn.

The Candidate

You will have a relevant animal related qualification, a minimum of 2 years working in the zoo industry and at least 1 year of presenting education/conservation-based talks, with practical knowledge of Reptiles, Birds and Mammals, especially species held in our collection.

You will be familiar with the SSSMZP and will always strive to improve zoo management standards in accordance with this document, ensuring best practice and compliance with health and safety regulations.

You will be dedicated and passionate about animal welfare and will already put this at the centre of everything you do. You will use a variety of methods to enrich and stimulate the animals in your care and have a keen eye for detail with regards to exhibit maintenance and animal health.

You will be presentable and willing to represent the company to a very high standard in all situations. You will be expected to travel (up to 60 miles) from the zoo to deliver outreach to a high standard so you must have experience in presentations/talks/demonstrations to audiences of varying ages and abilities. You will hold a current clean driving licence and be able to use both a manual and automatic vehicle. During the current pandemic we have created online sessions which are still being offered and your willingness to participate in this is expected. There will be occasions when your start and/or finish times will change due to the needs of the business so you must be able to offer flexibility.

You will be hard working, physically fit, enthusiastic and reliable. You will be an excellent timekeeper and a team player; however, you may also find yourself working alone on some days. You will have the opportunity to get involved in the development of Holmes Chapel Zoo with enclosure design, animal collection planning, interpretation, education and conservation programs.

This position would suit someone who is keen to advance their career and may lead to a permanent position being offered.

Responsibilities:

Daily animal husbandry
Maintenance of animal enclosures/public areas
Public presentations (in person and virtual) at a variety of outreach and therapy events/sessions
Monitoring animal health
Administer medication and preventative treatment
Ensure best practice is achieved in line with our zoo licence / sssmzp
Animal related administration duties

Essentials

Relevant zoo or animal related qualification(s)
Proven public speaking skills
Organisational skills
Clean driving license
Knowledge of record keeping in line with zoo licence standards
Non-smoker
Minimum 2 years’ experience of working within a zoological collection
Minimum 1 year experience presenting animal educational talks.
Demonstrable experience working to zoo licence standards
Hard working and passionate about educating children and adults
Experience of working with SEND individuals
Practical knowledge of husbandry techniques for a variety of reptiles, birds and small exotic mammals

Desirable

2 years post test driving experience.
Teaching qualifications
First aider
Falconry experience

Please apply in writing enclosing a full CV and covering letter.

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: Maximum £19,500 pro rata

Kind regards,

Melissa Mews

Director

Zoo2U Discovery Centre

https://zoo2u.co.uk/

Tel: 07746 277375 / 07904 832591 (personal mobile - for emergency contact only please)

ONLY IF YOU ARE SERIOUSLY LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON(S)

Do you have a zoo or aquarium role to advertise? Do you want to take advantage of our social media following of over 129,700+ engaged zoo and aquarium industry professionals? ZooNews Digest has been reaching people longer than the rest.