Qualified
Animal Keeper – Predators
ZSL -
Whipsnade Zoo
Role
Profile
We are
seeking a part-time maternity cover animal keeper to work on the Predator
section at Whipsnade Zoo. The role will involve the day-to-day husbandry of
mammals including African lions, Amur tigers, African hunting dogs, Brown
bears, Sloth bear, Northern cheetah as well as a range of smaller carnivore
species. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high standards of
animal welfare and husbandry, be involved in training and enrichment programs,
and respecting the importance of daily observations, communication and record
keeping. Experience of dealing with the public is essential. This position will
also assist the Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader, and other Senior Keepers in
all aspects of their work but primarily the care of the animals, ensuring high
standards of animal welfare, animal husbandry.
Main Duties
and Responsibilities
- Work in a responsible, safe and
efficient manner around high security animals.
- Observing the behaviour, health
and security of animals and reporting any issues to the team leader or
senior staff; ensuring that conditions for animals are of the highest
standards and reporting any problems, including defects or repairs
required to enclosures, to the senior staff on section and relevant
departments required.
- Assisting with the preparation
of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
- Cleaning and maintaining
exhibits and designing enrichment devices.
- Ensuring that safety and
emergency procedures are always followed.
- Communicate efficiently with
public to increase public satisfaction and support the ZSL vision.
Person
Specification
- Proven practical experience of
animal management with a range of carnivore species.
- Have a passion to work on
evolving husbandry management techniques within zoological collections to
include positive re-enforcement training for behavioural management and
varied methods of enrichment for a range of species.
- Knowledge of techniques used to
handle specific animals should veterinary procedures be required.
- Be able to work in a team and
have excellent communication skills.
- Have good familiarity with
external zoo associations such as BIAZA and EAZA.
- Have either a high-level
qualification in a relevant field, DZMAA Keeper’s course or equivalent
work experience.
Please
note: This
is a part-time, fixed-term maternity cover position, based at Whipsnade Zoo.
Flexible working is required for this position which will include working some
weekends, bank holidays and aiding out of hours if required. A full/clean
driving license is essential.
Benefit
Package:
This role
offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 25
days holiday (pro-rata), stakeholder pension where the employer minimum
contribution is 7%, complimentary zoo tickets and more.
Applicants
will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience
and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of
availability) and can do this by visiting our website and clicking the "Apply
for this job online" button on the advert
The
Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no.
208728.
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 | | Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant |
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