Job Title
Experienced Keeper (Cats)
Wage/Salary (£/$/€)
£23,795.20-£24,747.01 PA dependent on skills/experience
Closing date for applications:
11-Aug-2024
Collection Name
The Big Cat Sanctuary
Website
Work Address
Headcorn Rd, Smarden, Ashford TN27 8PJ, UK
Job Description
We are pleased to announce that we have a new opportunity for an Experienced Keeper to join our dedicated and skilled team here at The Big Cat Sanctuary. Position Overview Our keepers undertake a full range of husbandry duties, including enclosure maintenance, food provision, husbandry training and enrichment programmes. Working across the entire big and small cat collection, we’re looking for someone who is knowledgeable, adaptable and excited by the idea of working with a variety of species. The Big Cat Sanctuary has received huge investment and development in recent years and contains several brand-new habitats. These exhibits provide advanced safety features and high-spec modern husbandry facilities, designed with the well-being and enjoyment of the animals, keepers and guests in mind. If you’d also love to be involved in the delivery of interactive conservation education, engaging with the public both formally (in Keeper Talks, Experiences, Tours and Education Events, for example) and informally in day-to-day interactions with our visitors, this could be the perfect role for you. We also have a team of Interns and Volunteers that you’ll be working with, so we’re looking for someone who is friendly, a good communicator, as well as being self-motivated, enthusiastic and a good team player.
Principal Duties Include:
• Working as per the instructions of the Management Team to contribute to the day-to-day and long-term care and welfare of the animals held at BCS; ensuring daily security checks, animal husbandry and welfare routines/management, environmental enrichment, and veterinary intervention are undertaken as instructed
• Maintain a strong understanding of emergency procedures, be fully aware of your individual role and responsibilities in an emergency situation, engaging with practice routines/drills
• Undertake & record animal observations accurately and effectively
• Deliver high standards of visitor interaction in the form of regular keeper talks, encounters, experiences, tours and education events and engage guests both formally during presentations, etc. & informally during the routine operation of the Sanctuary
• Maintain a good knowledge of industry-specific working practices/guidelines and legislation, contributing to Zoo License inspections and other audits, as required
• Help and supervise BCS’s changing team of volunteers and interns, as well as visitors on team building exercises (who undertake a full range of general site and enclosure maintenance duties)
Job Requirements (Essential)
Proven experience (2 years plus) in the care and management of a variety of species within a zoological collection (particularly with category 1 species)
An animal science-related qualification
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; natural ability to engage with colleagues and visitors
Experience of delivering visitor experiences (good general presentation skills are essential)
Physically fit for the demands of this role and happy spending a large amount of time outdoors in all weathers
Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle, as the site is not accessible by public transport
In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process. Working Conditions
Full time, permanent position
40 hours per week, generally 08.00-17.00 (includes regular weekend and bank holiday work)
Additional early and late working will be required to accommodate emergencies and special events
Starting Salary range £23,795.20-£24,747.01 PA dependent on skills/experience
We give statutory holiday entitlement
Working Hours
8am till 5pm
Job Type
Full time
The candidate will be expected to work on:
Bank Holidays, Public Holidays
Staff Benefits
Not provided
More information
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to lisa@thebigcatsanctuary.org with the reference BCS KEEPER in the email title.
Cover Letter Required?
Yes
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