Team Leader Birds

Team Leader Birds/ Auckland Zoo, New Zealand

Current vacancies

· Rare opportunity to work at one of the world's leading zoos.

· Contribute to the in situ conservation of New Zealand wildlife.

· Unique chance to work regularly in the field.

Auckland Zoo is proud of its commitment to the World Zoo and Aquarium Strategy and when you join our team, you are signing-up to help "build a future for wildlife".

We are currently seeking a Team Leader to manage the bird team and collection at the Zoo.

As a key member of the Zoo's Life Sciences team, the Team Leader's role is to ensure that the staff, facilities and animals associated with the bird section are managed to achieve excellence. Working under the Curator of Ectotherms & Birds, the primary focus of the advertised role is to oversee the Zoo's bird collection, providing best practice husbandry, contributing to our understanding of the biology of these species and delivering attractive animal exhibits and meaningful encounters to our 700,000+ annual visitors. You will also be expected to help identify, develop and deliver significant bird research and conservation programmes in the field.

Auckland Zoo's $15 million New Zealand precinct, Te Wao Nui, is a journey through six geographic zones and the flora and fauna of each. The focus on native species provided by Te Wao Nui also catalyses many new opportunities for the zoo to contribute to the conservation of New Zealand wildlife, both directly and indirectly. Around 25-30 New Zealand bird species are managed by the bird team, at least four of which are integral to breed-to-release programmes. The bird team is also responsible for the care of a collection of exotic, predominantly Australian, birds and will take an active role in developing this aspect of the collection further in line with the Zoo's masterplan.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the development and direction of the Zoo's bird collection, to actively contribute to conservation both in the zoo and in the field, and to work in the zoo and/or in the field with some of the world's most threatened bird species, including brown teal and blue duck, fairy terns and shore plover, kokako, orange-fronted kakariki, takahe, and even kakapo.

The successful candidate will have:

· Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated leadership and team building strengths demonstrated over a minimum of five years.

· A tertiary qualification in biological/conservation sciences and/or equivalent experience and a recognised qualification in captive animal management.

· A minimum of five years aviculture experience in a senior/supervisory position

· A track record of innovative husbandry and captive research.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Strong management skills with emphasis on working to time and budget constraints.

· Demonstrated ability to deliver excellent customer service.

· Commitment to and understanding of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy 2015.

· Experience of project planning and management.

· Experience in field-based conservation projects, ideally focused on birds, or an aptitude for and interest in undertaking such field work.

If you have proven relevant animal husbandry experience, strong leadership skills, can actively manage a team of professional zoo staff, and have a desire to really achieve conservation outcomes through your zoo-based career, then this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. High priorities for this position include playing a key role in the development and delivery of visitor experiences and contributing to the overall strategic management of the zoo by actively participating as a member of the Life Sciences team.

Interested applicants should follow this link to the Auckland Council website where they will be able to find a full position description and instructions for the application process:

Closing date for applications is Friday 10th November 2017.

Please note: This role is deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing.

To Apply please click HERE

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Education Coordinator

Education Coordinator

Full-time Position

£18000 / annum

This is a full-time position, 5 days out of 7, including weekends, bank holidays and school holidays.

Rotas will vary according to school group & Event bookings during term time.

Green Dragon Rare Breeds Farm & Eco Centre is an open farm and visitor attraction. We pride ourselves on sustainability and promoting a Green approach to living. We are self-sustaining and Eco with our energy production, water management, sewerage management, and our ‘farm to folk’ philosophy.

We have only been fully operational for just over 3 years and we already have a loyal following of supporters and visitors. We are growing fast and are looking for forward thinking, motivated, creative and hardworking individuals to help us achieve our mission.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to join our team at a time when our Wildlife offering is developing. We have already expanded our pets corner to include exotic pets, we already have our first owls and Reindeer. 2018 will bring the construction of our new Wildlife zone and owl sanctuary.

Reporting to the General Manager, the key purpose of this role is to prepare and deliver classroom and outdoor based learning to groups of students from pre-school age up to undergraduate level and produce educational material for the Farm.  You will also lead in the delivery of Educational and interactive talks to our visitors, design and run activities for our annual events and marketing the Farms educational services and dealing with enquiries from the public and visitors.  This role will also include managing enquiries and bookings for the delivery of our Green Dragon Roadshow which is our own take on Outreach experiences for the public and schools.

The successful application will have:

• ·         Excellent presentation skills are essential;
• ·         Must be outgoing and have a confident enthusiastic personality;
• ·         Must be organised, self-motivated with good interpersonal skills;

The successful applicant will be expected to:

• ·         Implement an education strategy that addresses all forms of education, including development of new programs;
• ·        Organise education activities and presentations for Farm visitors, including seasonal activities such as arts and crafts;
• ·        Co-ordinate school visits;
• ·        Deliver national curriculum-linked teaching - formal & informal;
• ·        Deliver entertaining and exciting lessons & public presentations;
• ·        Assist in the organisation of farm events;

 Necessary skills required:

• ·        Motivated individual who can work alone and as part of a team;
• ·        Excellent presentation skills;
• ·         Knowledge of wildlife and conservation;
• ·         practical Animal Handling experience (Reptiles, Amphibians, Inverts, Small Mammals, Birds, Sheep & Goats (for the Green Dragon Road Show)
• ·        Flexible approach to work and able to work under pressure;
• ·        Excellent written English;
• ·        Excellent creative writing skills; and
• ·        Full driving license.

Preferred experience:

• ·        Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline;
• ·         2 years minimum employed experience within Farm & Zoo based education
• ·        Experience of working within a Farm, Wildlife Park OR Zoo;
• ·        Experience of teaching at primary level;
• ·        Experience of Microsoft excel, Microsoft Word and Powerpoint.

We ask that the successful candidate has their own transport to and from work, be punctual and flexible with working hours and is willing to relocate.

Please mark any email correspondence FAO:

Jay Wood (General Manager) and include a CV with your covering letter.

Email: hr@Greendragonecofarm.co.uk

Post open until filled.

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Displays Supervisor

Displays Supervisor

We are The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham and we are part of the magical Merlin Entertainments!

We are pleased to offer the exciting role of Aquarium Displays Supervisor at The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham – a full time, salaried management position at one of Birmingham’s most popular visitor attractions.

As the successful applicant, you will take responsibility for ensuring the continual development and innovation within the displays areas.  Naturally you’ll be responsible for maintenance plans of the life support systems and the cleanliness of our displays as well as the development of suitable diets and feeds for our creatures, ensuring we present world class displays. Using your experience, gained by working in a similar environment, you will have a robust knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry; and have the ability to communicate to all employees and clients as well as deliver a highly immersive experience to all our visitors.  You’ll also have a good understanding of zoo licensing having been through a zoo licence in a previous role, project management experience and ideally be educated to degree level or equivalent. You will report to the Curator and manage a team of Aquarists below you.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you an experienced displays team member looking to gain more knowledge and experience?

• Are you able to deliver the ultimate in memorable experiences?

• Do you like working in a fast paced environment?

• Do you have previous management experience?

Learn more HERE

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Experienced Animal Keeper

Experienced Animal Keeper

Paradise Wildlife Park

The Zoological Society of Hertfordshire (ZSH) (registered charity no.1108609) currently has a vacancy for an experienced keeper to join our expanding team at Paradise Wildlife Park, with the opportunity of working with a wide range of taxa.

Our zookeepers are involved in a full range of husbandry duties including general enclosure cleaning, food provisions, husbandry training, and enrichment programmes across the 6 sections of the zoo (Paddocks, Small Mammals, Birds, Primates, Reptiles & Large Carnivores). The successful applicant will have at least two years of experience working within a zoo environment. This position has scope for the keeper to go on to focus on certain species as time progresses.

The successful applicant will be actively involved in the mixed taxa shows on the zoo, where they will be trained in positive reinforcement techniques for species to demonstrate natural behaviours in public displays. The keeper will also be delivering interactive animal experiences across multiple sections of the zoo.

Paradise Wildlife Park also has a team of interns and other volunteers that the keeper will be working alongside and supervising. The applicant must be very personable and able to communicate well with visitors and staff. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic and a good team player.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Carrying out and enforcing high standards of welfare and animal husbandry routines e.g. food prep, feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision etc. set by Section Leaders on sections allocated to
• Undertake and record animal observations.
• Deliver high standards of visitor interaction in the form of keeper talks, animal shows, encounters, experiences, tours and education events.
• Overseeing work experience, volunteers and interns.
• Liaise and assist in general duties and requirements as directed by senior management.
• Other duties to support effective and efficient site maintenance may include: fire marshall, first aider, company vehicle driver, including tractor trailer, litter picking/rubbish removal/sweeping and general cleaning in order to maintain high standards (nb - full training will be a given prior to the post holder being required to undertake new tasks).

Requirements:

• An animal science related qualification.
• 2 years full-time experience in a zoological collection.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Adaptable for a flexible rota.
• Physically fit for the demands of this role.
• Free flight bird experience desirable.
• Full UK driving licence.

Hours; Summer 8am-6pm, Winter 8am – 5pm. Includes weekend and bank holiday work on a flexible rotated basis. Flexibility is necessary in this post.

To apply for this job:

If you would like the opportunity to join our team please send your CV and cover letter to hr@pwpark.com

This opening will close once a suitable candidate has been selected so please send applications as soon as possible.

Closing date for applications is: 22nd Oct 2017

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Qualified Animal Keeper – Predator

                Qualified Animal Keeper – Predator

Position: Qualified Animal Keeper – Predator (Full-Time / Permanent)

Salary: £26,093 p.a. (Inclusive of London Weighting and Weekend Enhancement)

Location: ZSL London Zoo – NW1

About Us:

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Overview of Role:

ZSL is seeking a qualified keeper to work on the new Predator section at London Zoo. The role will involve the day to day husbandry of mammals including Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers, African hunting dogs as well as a range of smaller mammal species. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high standards of animal welfare and husbandry, be involved in training and enrichment programs and also respecting the importance of daily observations, communication and record keeping. Applicants must have a passion for working with a variety of animals within a Zoo environment and experience with high security animals is fundamental. Experience of dealing with the public is essential, together with the ability to work effectively within a team. Working hours are 37.5 per week, worked within a roster which includes regular weekends so flexibility regarding hours is crucial

The successful candidate will also be expected to:

• ·        Work in a responsible, safe and efficient manor around high security animals.
• ·        Observe the behaviour, health and security of animals and report any problems to the Team Leader or manager including defects or repairs required to enclosures and relevant departments required to support work needed.
• ·        Assist & develop training and enrichment programs on a regular basis.
• ·        Adhere to the highest industry standards of zoo husbandry and welfare.
• ·        Clean and maintain exhibits and other designated areas.
• ·        Assist with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
• ·        Communicate efficiently with public to increase public satisfaction and support the ZSL mission.

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven practical experience of animal management with a range of exotic species with a focus of large cats.
• Have strong attention to detail and safe working practices with high security animals.
• Passion to work on evolving husbandry management 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 demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department without always waiting to be asked.
• Be a positive influence on section and work well in a team environment.
• Have a qualification in a relevant field at university level and/or diploma in the DZMAA Keeper’s course or equivalent work experience.
• Be reliable, have good time-keeping and attendance record and able to demonstrate leadership and professionalism.

Please note: Flexible working is required for this position which will include working alternate weekends and bank holidays. Applicant must also be professional, flexible in their approach and totally reliable. 

To Apply:

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 clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Hoof-stock keeper

Hoof-stock keeper

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced motivated individual to join our committed team of animal keepers. The role is a key position within the section and will involve taking responsibility for all aspects of care of the animals on section. This role also includes taking collective responsibility for the development of an Intern. The applicant must have sound knowledge of the species concerned and the ability to carry out tasks to a high standard.

Applicants must have at least 2 years’ practical experience working with large animals in zoos, wildlife parks, farm parks, working farms or similar.

Typical aspects of the role include:

• Section species include; bison, water buffalo, yak, highland, ankole and Jersey cattle, sheep, goats, red deer, reindeer and pigs.
• Nutrition, enclosure maintenance and up keep, environmental enrichment, foot and health care and breeding management for all species on section
• Covering and supporting other sections when needed (mainly domestics and equines)
• Assisting in the training of an intern and work placement students
• Other requirements:
• Applicants must have a full driving licence, the addition of the +E category a bonus but not essential.

Other job holder expectations:

• To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and responsibilities.
• To be mindful of the visitor experience in all aspects of your work and in your contact with.
• Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.
• Christian belief is not expected but acceptance of the values necessary
• To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when required.
• To undertake such other duties as are relevant with the position

To apply send a CV and covering letter to chris.wilkinson@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk or by post to Chris Wilkinson, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm Clevedon Road Wraxall BS481PG. 

Your covering letter should include an accurate summery of your relevant experience with hoof stock. What you feel your strengths are with these species and what areas you would like to improve on.

Closing date for applications is 18th October 2017.

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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