Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper

All Things Wild is a thriving and successful nature centre and family attraction based on the edge of the Cotswolds, situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and easily accessible from a number of major cities.                

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Animal Keeper who, in conjunction with the management, can develop and extend the animal collection.

The keepers work 5 days a week including bank holidays and weekends. The successful applicant must have a flexible and enthusiastic approach to work, with a passion for the natural world and conservation. A good eye for detail and high standards for animal husbandry are a must.

Key Responsibilities

·       To ensure the day to day running of the zoo goes smoothly.

·       To ensure the highest standard of animal welfare is being adhered to.

·       To be competent delivering talks and experiences to members of the public. 

·       Handle enquiries from visitors.

·       Working effectively alongside a small team of keepers and volunteers.

·       To ensure records and other relevant documents are kept up to date.

Key skills and requirements

·       Have a minimum of 3 years working with a range of animals within a zoological environment. 

·       DMZAA or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.

·       Must have a can-do attitude.

·       Strong verbal communication skills and good customer care skills

·       Confident in delivering animal presentations and talks to our visitors, and educational sessions to school groups.

·       An excellent time keeper.

·       Work well individually and as part of a team.

·       The ability to keep calm in stressful situations.  

·       A full UK driving license is required.

To Apply

Please send your CV and covering letter to Rebecca Harris, Director. All Things Wild Nature Centre, Station Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7QZ or you can email your application to careers5@allthingswild.co.uk

Closing date – 5^th October 2018.

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0)93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Qualified Animal Keeper, Elephants

                     Qualified Animal Keeper, Elephants

Position: Qualified Animal Keeper, Elephants (Full-time / Permanent)

Salary: £22,956 (Inclusive of Weekend Enhancement)

Location: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo – LU6

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:

An opening has arisen for a Qualified Animal Keeper on our Elephant section at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. With ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s new Centre for Elephant Care opened in April 2017, holding 8 Asian Elephants across over 20 acres of their facility it is an exciting time to be a part of this dynamic team. The Elephant section at Whipsnade Zoo is constantly evolving ensuring the highest standards of welfare and research is being carried out. Ideally this person will have experience of working with Elephants in protected contact or experience with mammal species in a zoological collection. 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 and keep daily checks and records of animals within the section.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Observing the behaviour, health and security of animals and reporting any problems 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 other designated areas.

·       Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are followed at all times.

·       Assisting with the movement and training of animals using positive re-enforcement.

·       Supporting in the training and mentoring of less experienced staff.

·       Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors and media.

·       Supporting broader ZSL lead events such as late evenings and specialist functions.

The successful candidate will:

·       A good level of skill and knowledge together with a proven work record ideally with Elephants, or large ungulates and hoof-stock.

·       Have strong attention to detail and the ability to clearly convey instruction.

·       Have an understanding of mammal breeding and good familiarity with external zoo associations such as BIAZA and EAZA.

·       Able to use Microsoft software including Outlook, Excel and Word.

·       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 and have good time-keeping and attendance record and able to demonstrate leadership and professionalism.

·       A full driving license is also required.

Please note: This is a full-time, permanent position based at Whipsnade Zoo. Flexible working is required for this position which will include working 2 in 3 weekends, bank holidays and providing assistance out of hours if required.

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.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Friday 5^th October 2018

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0)93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Animal Care Supervisor - Penguins

Company Name

New England Aquarium 

Company Location

 Boston, MA, US

Job description

Under the direction of the Assistant Curator, provide hands-on supervision of daily animal care and husbandry and project activities in the Penguin department. Coordinate and implement daily operations in a manner that adheres to protocols established by Assistant Curator. Insure the highest standards of animal care including developing animal care and exhibit appearance standards (SOPs) and ensuring compliance to these standards; directing, evaluating and developing husbandry staff; and planning sub-department activities. Aiding Assistant Curator (and where appropriate, Curator) in departmental administration and staff development.

Schedule
Tuesday to Saturday 8:00-5:00, 40 hours/week

Essential Leadership Functions

• Supervise, manage and delegate the daily routines of aquarists to ensure the highest standard of animal care and promote efficiency in the department, and provide adequate personnel coverage at all times.
• Provides guidance, mentoring, training and feedback to new hires and existing staff on animal husbandry, life support design, operation and maintenance, project work and meeting deadlines.
• Provide oversight on volunteer and intern needs, and their subsequent training.
• Ensure open lines of communication and provide communication in a timely fashion.
• Review and approve bi-weekly timecards in accordance with Finance Department deadlines.
• Collaborate with Assistant Curator / Curator to conduct annual performance appraisals, provide on-going performance feedback including recognition and addressing performance issues.
• Assist Assistant Curator in conducting interviews and make recommendations for hiring new aquarists.
• Leads by example collaborating and fostering a team environment amongst Animal Care Division staff and across other divisions.

Essential Functions

• Perform all the duties of a Senior Aquarist. Perform hands-on aquarist duties at all levels, as needed, to provide coverage, particularly when shorthanded. Assess the status of exhibits and recommend corrective actions.
• Promote efficiency by aiding departmental prioritization of daily work and projects (including FLSA implications). Evaluate the adequacy of staffing coverage and make recommendations to Assistant Curator.
• Develop and implement protocols and standard operating procedures that relate to animal husbandry such as diet and nutrition, bio-security and equipment maintenance and operation.
• Act as Department liaison when appropriate with other NEAQ departments and external parties.
• Participate in record keeping, report writing, generating and reviewing purchase orders, budget preparation, management of fish food inventory and administrative tasks in area(s) of responsibility.
• Participate in detailed management of assigned LSSs in partnership with other appropriate departments.
• Responsible for submitting and tracking preventive maintenance of equipment using HIPPO program to communicate with Facilities.
• Attend meetings on behalf of the Assistant Curator, as appropriate or assigned.
• Participate actively in the animal acquisition process, in conjunction with the Institutional Collection Planning Committee to ensure that exhibits contain a full complement of specimens. Coordinate long-range animal collecting efforts including participant sponsored live aboard expeditions.
• Participate as directed in the exhibit development process, including thematic research, habitat/aquascaping construction, developing animal enrichment programs, etc.
• Ensures a high level of exhibit aesthetics throughout their area of responsibility and aids others in maintaining a high quality of exhibition throughout the organization.
• Ensure that all relevant support areas are always safe, orderly and clean.
• Assume a leadership role if requested in the event of an emergency closure, power outage, sensaphone call, or similar unusual circumstance.
• May assume role of diving area manager for the Institution's diving safety program.
• Conduct facility tours to both internal and external groups when appropriate.
• Implement revenue programs as directed.
• Develop and maintain relationships with colleagues in the industry.
• Support Assistance Curator in report writing, rostering and other administrative tasks as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Training, Certifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related science.
• Minimum 5 years of vocationally relevant experience.
• Bird husbandry experience preferred.
• 2 years of demonstrated supervisory/leadership experience preferred.
• SCUBA certification at Rescue Diver level preferred and Medical Examiner's authorization to dive in accordance with NEAq Diving Control Board.
• Able and willing to perform SCUBA diving as assigned preferred.
• Valid driver's license, ability to secure a Medical Examiner's Certificate in Accordance with Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (49 CFR 391.41-391.49) and willingness to drive transport trucks up to 26,000GVW.
• Availability to work full time Tuesday-Saturday, weekends, some holidays, and occasional early morning or late night hours as required. Must be able to travel, nationally and internationally.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Must have a solid understanding of life support design and operation, quarantine principles and protocols, water quality and the interpretation of testing results.
• Must have excellent problem solving skills and the ability to work independently on solving problems.
• Must have strong training, mentoring and team building skills.
• Must have strong communications and collaboration skills and a commitment to Animal Care Division priorities.
• Must be willing to work with a changing, diverse collection of animals.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend/stoop, crawl/kneel, carry, reach, climb/balance, push/pull and lift up to 50 lbs. The employee is required to dive multiple times on a daily basis and be able to enter and exit the water from ladders and platforms. Must be able to manage the team and the animal collection in waist deep cold water while wearing a wet suit.

New England Aquarium is committed to diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
For more information, please visit : https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0)93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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CURATOR and HEAD KEEPER OF BIRDS

CURATOR and HEAD KEEPER OF BIRDS

The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) was established in 2003 by Allwetterzoo Münster and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP). It was one of the first nature conservation centres in Cambodia, located within Phnom Kulen National Park at the trailhead to the historic site of Kbal Spean, about 50km north of Siem Reap Town and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor. The animal
collection at ACCB currently includes approximately 630 individuals from about 40 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. 

The primary goals of the ACCB are:
 To promote the rescue of selected native Cambodian wildlife and to provide adequate rehabilitation and release facilities while ensuring the maintenance of internationally recognized standards.
 To provide facilities and technical expertise for the conservation breeding of selected threatened species, and to initiate and carry out appropriate reintroduction programs.
 To serve as an education and training centre for communities, wildlife officials and visitors to the centre in order to increase awareness of and build capacity for conservation and environmental protection and management, and to promote the
sustainable use of natural resources.
 To initiate and participate in wildlife conservation and research activities in Cambodia, including in situ conservation activities, species recovery efforts, biodiversity inventories and natural resource-use assessment, and to provide information to support
management recommendations for protected areas.

ACCB currently offers an exciting and unique opportunity for a Curator and Head Keeper of Birds to join a team of passionate conservationists! Besides working with a variety of species of
diurnal raptors, owls, parakeets and other avian species native to Cambodia, the successful candidate will be working on establishing conservation breeding programmes for Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis and Greater Adjutant Stork and improve existing programmes for Green Peafowl, Lesser Adjutant and Woolly-necked Storks.
Beyond that, she or he will share the responsibility for ACCB’s mammal collection with the Curator and Head Keeper of Reptiles.
This is a challenging but rewarding position for a highly dedicated and motivated individual with a keen interest in making a contribution towards conservation. In addition, she or he will have to be prepared to support a variety of other activities at ACCB as required, such as covering of the Curator and Head Keeper of Reptiles when needed, assisting the Veterinarian, helping with
environmental education, maintenance, administration, participation in special events, or fundraising. The Curator and Head Keeper of Birds is required to live permanently on-site and to
be on call for emergencies.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Curator and Head Keeper of Birds plans, makes recommendations and implements all aspects of animal arrivals, husbandry, record keeping, enrichment, breeding, display and rehabilitation and release with a focus on birds. Furthermore, she or he will manage parts of ACCB’s mammal collection (mostly small carnivores).
The successful candidate will work closely with the Curator and Head Keeper of Reptiles, the Veterinarian and (regarding releases) with the Field Conservation Manager and report to the Project Manager. She or he will participate in the long-term planning for the ACCB with regards to conservation breeding programmes, animal husbandry, animal facilities and staff developments in the Animal Department.

Main duties and responsibilities of the Curator and Head Keeper of Birds are:
 Supervise and carry out all aspects of animal husbandry and rehabilitation; environmental, dietary and sensory enrichment; preparation for release and animal record keeping
 Develop, recommend and implement protocols, standards and guidelines relating to animal husbandry, conservation breeding, enrichment and preparation for release in order to ensure ACCB’s animal collection receives the best husbandry and care possible
by international standards
 Oversee and carry out all aspects of animal training and operant conditioning of the permanent animal collection to enhance animal welfare, enrichment and safety
 Carry out and supervise all aspects of artificial incubation of avian eggs and special care for neonates and juveniles
 Collaborate with the team of the Animal Department in all aspects of hand-rearing of rescued juveniles/orphans of a variety of taxa where necessary
 Collaborate with the Project Manager, Field Conservation Manager, and Animal Department Team in pre-release assessments of animals prior to (re-)introduction to the wild
 Coordinate closely with the Field Conservation Department regarding release sites or post-release monitoring when required
 Coordinate and conduct animal rescues and releases
 Carry out animal observations with regards to health issues and behaviour and inform the Veterinarian when illness or injury is suspected
 Assist the Veterinarian with animal treatments
 Participate in research projects and scientific publications if required
 Identify issues with and make suggestions on how to achieve genetically diverse breeding populations, including arrangement of animal transfers with other institutions
 Continually learn and adapt techniques to optimize animal husbandry and breeding success
 Coordinate closely with the Project Manager in the design, modification and building of enclosures
 Perform routine inspection of enclosures for cleanliness and structural defects and perform minor maintenance and repair of animal enclosures when feasible
 Identify safety hazards within the Animal Department and develop mitigations
 Co-Supervise the animal keeping team with the Curator and Head Keeper of Reptiles;
provide leadership to all subordinate employees and develop training plans
 Ensure the training and development of staff expertise in animal husbandry, animal training, conditioning and enrichment
 Develop and implement safety guidelines and train subordinate staff members regularly in all safety procedures and considerations; oversee the compliance of the safety guidelines
 Assist in the supervision of interns, students or volunteers in collaboration with the senior staff
 Keep and report animal records, maintain and improve databases for all animal management records (ZIMS and other software)
 Develop and improve existing standard operating procedures for the Animal Department
 Report writing
 Prepare budget plans in close collaboration with the Curator and Head Keeper of Reptiles and the Project Manager
 Prepare budget requests and responsibly manage the allocated budget for the animal welfare and conservation breeding programmes
 Purchase and organization of animal food, supplies and enclosure-maintenance materials

Requirements
 A degree in zoology, biology, conservation, animal behavior, zoo keeping or related field, or proven equivalent work experience
 Proven working experience with a variety of avian species in a zoo, rescue centre, breeding centre or similar working environment is required
 A keen interest in conservation is essential
 Experience in hand-rearing of avian neonates is required
 Experience in artificial incubation is required
 Experience in falconry techniques and their application to the rehabilitation of birds of prey would be an advantage
 Working experience with mammals and chelonians would be an advantage
 Demonstrable experience in staff training and capacity building would be an advantage
 Excellent administration, organization and communication skills
 Sound knowledge of wildlife and habitat conservation, especially with regards to Southeast Asian conservation issues
 Good command of English (spoken and written)
 Good improvisational and practical skills
 Flexibility and ability to cope with a sometimes heavy workload (also on weekends and possible night shifts) and to multi-task in a demanding environment
 Ability to live and work under simple conditions in a rural area. Some previous experience of working/living in developing countries and/or in tropical climates would e an advantage
 Computer literacy with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office. ZIMS experience would be an advantage
 Physically fit and able to work in a hot and humid climate
 Team-working skills and ability to work in a multi-national team
 Cultural sensitivity
 A clean driving license for cars

Conditions/remuneration:
 Free shared accommodation (private room with access to shared bathroom, kitchen and living room), water, electricity and internet at ACCB, located at Kbal Spean in Phnom Kulen National Park
 Airfare to/from site if required, including one return flight per year (for contracts 1 year)
 Health Insurance expenses will be reimbursed up to 1000 USD per year
 Full-time work (usually from 7-11 am and 1-5 pm), with flexibility as required and on-call availability for emergencies
 6 days off per month
 30 days annual leave per calendar year
 The salary provided will be sufficient to allow for a comfortable living in Cambodia 

Closing date: Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled and interviews are starting immediately at September 15 th , 2018. Please apply as soon as possible, the latest by October
15th, 2018.

Preference will be given to candidates indicating that they are prepared to stay for longer periods (minimum 1 year). Short-listed candidates will be notified for a Skype interview in due course.

Starting date: as soon as possible

Please apply as soon as possible via email (not exceeding 10 MB) including cover letter, CV and the contact details of two references to:
Mr. Michael Meyerhoff, ACCB Project Manager
Email: application@accb-cambodia.org

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0)93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Head Keeper – Manor Wildlife Park

Head Keeper – Manor Wildlife Park

Manor Wildlife Park is looking to recruit an experienced Head animal keeper. The successful applicant will be expected to lead a small team of staff and oversee the day to day management of a growing animal collection, ensuring the highest standards of animal care and welfare at all times.

With some new and exciting developments planned over the next few years the Head keeper will be expected to be involved in all aspects of these projects including enclosure design, collection planning, health and safety, working protocols and day to day operations. This is a supervisory role and there will be some office time and administrative work required.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare at all times including implementing training and enrichment programmes, monitoring health, researching nutritional needs and excellent enclosure presentation.

Liaise with the veterinary team as and when needed and administer medication when appropriate in the absence of an on-site vet.

Assist in the management and implementation of all aspects of Health and Safety including working protocols, risk assessments and manual handling.

Assist in providing Firearms cover as and when needed; full training will be provided if required.

Ensure the highest of standards of visitor experience through exceptional customer services and care.

About you:

The successful candidate will need to have worked in a Zoo environment for at least 5 years, have a Diploma in the Management of Zoo animals and Aquaria (DMZAA) or an equivalent qualification and have previous experience supervising staff.

Experience working with large carnivores, ungulates and primates desirable.  

A full UK driving license is essential and candidates should also be in the possession of a Firearms license or at least in a position to apply for one. 


The successful applicant will be computer literate with an excellent understanding of the Microsoft Office package and working knowledge of ZIMS would be desirable.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to hr@manorwildlifepark.co.uk

For more information about the park, please visit: www.manorwildlifepark.co.uk

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +66 (0)93 0835 862 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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