Trainee Animal Keeper - Small Carnivore 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, is a charity based organisation committed to protecting rare and endangered animals from extinction through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is seeking a hardworking and dedicated keeper to work with our team of enthusiastic and like-minded keepers on our Small Carnivore Section. This fascinating section includes a variety of small carnivore species including, the Rusty spotted Cat, Fishing Cats, Red Pandas, Binturong and Clouded Leopards.

This is a very physical role and the successful applicant will be expected to undertake all duties on the section including prepping meat and animal dispatch, enclosure cleaning, general maintenance and upkeep of enclosures including all aspects of exhibit presentation. Conservation, education and enrichment play a big role in the park so there will be plenty of opportunities for doing talks and displays to the public.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Previous experience gained in a zoo park/equivalent environment

• Knowledge of small carnivore species

• Knowledge of current conservation issues concerning small carnivores

• Experience of restraining and handling animals

• A zoo animal management qualification or willingness to work towards one

• Full, valid driving license

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Small carnivore experience

• Off road driving experience

• Butchery and livestock dispatch

• Basic building skills

Working 40 hours per week, 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.

The Benefits:

· 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service.

· Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e- learning.

· Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.

· Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.

· Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.

· Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.

· And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.

Closing Date: Thursday 27^th October 2022

To Apply: Please email your full C.V. and covering letter to – personnel@aspinallfoundation.org

Please visit our website: www.aspinallfoundation.org to find out more about us.

PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION FOR POSTING OUT YOUR VACANCY.

It will be greatly appreciated as I am semi retired and have had no regular income for over two years.

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