Animal Carer
Isle of Wight Zoo
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight
Zoo is the Island’s original and leading zoo which specialises in the care and
conservation of big cats and lemurs. It is located on the popular East coast of
the Isle of Wight, overlooking a spectacular sandy beach, and is just half an
hour’s drive away from the capital town. The zoo is privately operated by a
proactive and dedicated team who strive for excellence in both animal and
visitor care.
A rare opportunity
has arisen for an Animal Carer to join this friendly zoo which prides itself on
its inclusive working environment. The successful candidate will become part of
a small but ambitious zoo team and will therefore need to be highly adaptable
and self-motivated to assist across a range of operational areas. The zoo
demands a strong work ethic which puts animal welfare first at all times. A passion and aptitude for educating and
engaging the public and wider community is also of paramount importance to this
position.
Working knowledge of
animal husbandry is a vital aspect of the post. Applicants must be in a
position to relocate to the Isle of Wight.
To apply online
please visit the vacancies section of our website: www.isleofwightzoo.com/recruitment.aspx
Closing date for
applications: Friday 16th January 2015
General post info:
• Permanent
• 40-45 hrs/wk
Job spec:
• Care and
management of a range of species including:
o Provision of food
and water
o Butchery
activities including manual handling
o Cleaning out
animal accommodation
o Assisting in
provision of veterinary care
o Design and
provision of behavioural/environmental enrichment including operant
conditioning
o Assisting with
development of nutrition and preventative health care programmes
o Habitat decoration
and landscaping
o Enclosure security
and general maintenance/upkeep
o Record keeping
o Capture and
restraint
• Public education
o Provision of daily
keeper talks, feeding times and animal encounters
o Assisting in the
development of public education programme
o Involvement in
other educational activities
• Visitor
experiences
o Provision of ‘Hands on Wildlife’ experiences
o Assisting with
special events and workshops
• Site upkeep
o Assisting with
painting and sweeping
o Gardening and weed
control
o Cleaning and
presentation of facilities
o Waste management
Key
skills/attributes:
• Natural empathy
for animals and good working knowledge of contemporary health and welfare
practices
• Hardworking,
energetic and physically fit, able to withstand adverse weather conditions
• Good team worker
but also confident and motivated to work independently
• Cheerful
disposition with a positive ‘can do’ attitude and a great sense of humour
• Responsible,
reliable and able to adhere to organizational and departmental policies and
procedures
• Ability to
communicate effectively to a diverse audience
• Able to deliver
outstanding customer care at all times
• Great attention to
detail and ability to work safely and efficiently
• Motivated to
develop professionally
• Genuine desire to
contribute towards the development and success of the organization
Required:
• Practical
experience working with animals
• Experience with
public education
• Ability to work
outdoors in all weathers
• Good level of
physical fitness and stamina
• Willing to work
weekends and holidays as rosters require
• Good literacy and
numerical skills
Advantageous
• Experience working
with large carnivores, primates and reptiles
• Formal animal care
qualifications eg DMZAA
• First Aid
certificate
• Health and Safety
qualifications
• Chainsaw
certificate
• Full driving
licence
