JOB TITLE
Qualified/Senior Keeper
WAGE/SALARY (£)
From £24,585 a year
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:
07-Jul-2024
COLLECTION NAME
Wildwood Trust - Herne Bay
WEBSITE
WORK ADDRESS
Wealden Forest Park, Canterbury Rd, Herne Common, Herne Bay CT6 7LQ, UK
ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. We work with nature to fight the biodiversity crisis, to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats in which nature thrives. We focus on nature-based solutions to return native species and recreating truly wild spaces.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Overall responsibility will involve:
Duties Assist with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding strategies for various species, feed into the nutritional elements of diets based on section and veterinary based research
Contribute to the development of high standards of husbandry and welfare, supporting the development of innovative, enriching and aesthetic enclosures with the team.
Oversee husbandry and conservation breeding of specific species working collaboratively with colleagues and the conservation team for species destined for release.
Feed into team meetings and support the mentorship of less experienced colleagues helping them to evolve within the section and industry.
Assisting or directing Living Collection colleagues, with veterinary, training, behaviour, enrichment and other relevant animal related procedures.
Presenting relevant material at conferences or in media based situations as required and presenting keeper talks as requested
Familiarity and compliance with all health and safety protocols and documentation. This includes emergency procedures, risk assessment and safe working practices.
Support positive visitor experiences by answering questions in a friendly and helpful manner, ensuring that visitors leave with a good impression of the Living Collections team and Wildwood as an experience.
Demonstrate knowledge of the role of a modern animal collection in terms of conservation, research and education. As requested by the head of section, Director, or other departments, support broader Wildwood activities such as late evening/ weekend functions, animal encounters, PR photo calls/filming, VIP encounters, Keeper for a Day, and other Wildwood events.
Inputting animal records and data onto daily record sheets and the ZIMS database etc. Support internal communication through presenting work to internal Wildwood colleagues at appropriate forums. Be prepared to travel mostly within the UK to visit other collections (including our sister park in Devon), release sites or work with project partners on occasion Some media work may be required which will involve speaking confidently and comprehensively. NB: This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be encountered. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.
Qualifications & Experience
The successful applicant will have practical experience of working with a range of carnivore species. Skills and knowledge specific to the animal husbandry, management and care. A Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) qualification (or equivalent) is compulsory for this role, for internal appointment to have passed the qualified keeper attributes.
Knowledge Familiarity and compliance with all health and safety protocols and documentation. This includes emergency procedures, risk assessment and safe working practices. Ability to instruct trainee keepers, volunteers and other section guests in the above.
Broad taxonomic knowledge on a range of species managed within zoological collections but particularly native species. Knowledge of husbandry, exhibition, diet and reproduction. Take responsibility for furthering your knowledge by liaising with senior colleagues, or those with specific knowledge of different species.
Utilise other Wildwood trust resources and departments and explore opportunities for furthering knowledge. Understanding of behavioural enrichment and conditioning programs and an understanding of their importance in the role of husbandry. Knowledge of techniques used to handle specific animals should catch ups or veterinary procedures require this. Knowledge and interest in UK conservation projects, specifically relating to carnivores. A willingness to travel on occasion to meet project partners or view projects.
Skills & Abilities
Ability to manage daily designated duties and an awareness of who to contact, and the appropriate method, should assistance be required. Ability to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department. Flexibility is required in order to support the broader zoological collection as well as the post holder’s specific section. Working with animals requires detailed levels of concentration on both noting animal behaviour and changes to behaviour as well as remembering to lock doors and close slides. The ability to tell others of your need to concentrate at specific times if disrupted. An ability to carry out agreed veterinary treatments accurately as determined by veterinary staff, administering correct doses and recording appropriately for colleagues to acknowledge. Have the confidence to carry out tasks independently, whilst also having the ability to work productively and successfully with a team. Demonstrate a genuine love of British wildlife and a belief in Wildwood’s Mission. Any veterinary nursing qualifications would be advantageous to the Trust. Other Considerations The post is advertised as a full time position.
The working rota is Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday, and will require occasional evening and bank holiday working. No person shall be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, ethic or national origin, religion, colour, age or disability. As an equal opportunities employer, applicants for staff vacancies shall be short listed for interview and appointed purely on the grounds of their suitability for the post as laid out in the advertised job description. Wildwood operates a no smoking policy in the park and in its offices. Animal work frequently requires individuals to work outside of normal working hours if for example specific levels of care are required. Therefore, a flexible approach in terms of working hours is required. Working indoors in artificially high &/or humid conditions. Ability to travel and attend conferences or other zoos as the position requires, in order to share knowledge, beneficial to the collection. An ability to talk confidently and professionally to visitors or present ‘keeper talks’ or ‘keeper for a day experiences’ to groups of visitors.
WORKING HOURS
Core working hours are 08.00-17.00 during summer and 08.00-16.00 during winter with an unpaid half an hour for lunch. This post is advertised as 38 hours per week averaged over the year, over 5 days, including at least 1 weekend day. The job may involve overtime, including some evening and weekend working as part of your normal duties.
JOB TYPE
Full Time, Permanent
THE CANDIDATE WILL BE EXPECTED TO WORK ON:
Bank Holidays, Public Holidays
STAFF BENEFITS
Company pension
Discounted or free food
Employee discount
Free parking
On-site parking
MORE INFORMATION
The pro rata holiday allowance is 30 days a year, this includes statutory holidays. Appointments are subject to confirmation after a six-month probation period. Wildwood offers access to a stake holder pension, details of which will be supplied on confirmation in post. Procedure for Applicants Application is by C.V. and must contain the following information: Name, address, contact phone numbers Personal Statement Employment history Educational history You should include a statement of the relevant skills and experience that you believe you will bring to the job, paying careful attention to the requirements of the job outlined above. You should give two referees to whom we can turn for a confidential reference, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. References will only be taken up for those candidates chosen for interview or, with regard to current employer, on offer of contract. Applications will not normally be acknowledged.
COVER LETTER REQUIRED?
Yes
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