Job opportunities

Assistant to the Head of Animal Collection

The Tropical Butterfly House is looking for an Assistant to the Head of Animals for a job share role. You will be asked to work 4 days out of 7 including 1 crossover day with your job-share. We are looking for an energetic, enthusiastic person to job-share this diverse role within our small dedicated team of keepers. The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing all sections of the day-to-day running of the zoo’s animal collection on their working day and will encompass all facets of the park’s activities; including but not limited to animal husbandry, experiences, events and any other site activity thereafter required. The position requires expert knowledge and experience of all aspects of animal husbandry with particular knowledge of exotic, avian, reptilian and invertebrates within a zoological environment.

We are recognised for providing excellent customer care and providing a professional, friendly attitude to all visitors including substantial educational groups. The applicant will be a highly motivated, flexible, outgoing person with a hands-on approach and strong work ethic.

Contract: 4 Years Fixed Term   Type: Full Time/Part Time   Hours: 36 hours per week.

Work pattern: 4 out of seven days per week, flexibility in pattern/hours of work is necessary in this post. This post requires weekend and bank / school holiday work.

Qualification and skills:

Essential:

•  5-10 years experience in the zoo industry with appropriate qualifications
•  Working knowledge of ZIMS
•  Higher-level academic qualification in animal management and husbandry
•  Full clean manual UK driving licence
•  Eligibility to work in the UK

What will I need to be considered for this vacancy?

You will need a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, good attention to detail and be able to thrive in both team and individual environments.

• An interest and passion for animals is essential
• Ability to show experience of a commitment / interest in general zoo and wildlife husbandry, animal welfare and conservation
• Enthusiasm for liaising with guests and colleagues across a variety of levels
• Excellent work ethic and ability to work on your own and as part of a team
• Ability to work efficiently and at pace, with excellent time management skills
• Be flexible with working hours to meet company requirements
• Driven by the buzz of working in a busy environment and ability to work under pressure
• Academic qualification in animal care and husbandry, or willingness to undertake
• Excellent verbal communication skills and good presentation skills
• Have a broad taxonomic knowledge of the range of current species managed within the Tropical Butterfly House collection
• Reasonable IT skills; including working knowledge of ZIMS
• Ability to travel and attend conferences or other zoos as the position requires, in order to share knowledge beneficial to the collection
• Interest in the conservation of British wildlife

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To maintain high standards of husbandry and welfare, in line with zoo licensing and BIAZA guidelines
• Coordinate, oversee and carry out animal husbandry routines and environmental enrichment
• Collate and maintain animal observation records and input data on ZIMS as required
• An ability to problem solve day-to-day situations on all sections
• Facilitate and contribute to zoological research
• Organise or support animal management operations and veterinary intervention as required
• Maintain and enhance animal enclosures
• Implement and monitor bio-security policy and procedures
• Support and mentor animal keepers
• Ensure section adherence to health and safety policy and procedures at all times
• Report any health and safety issues and animal health concerns to management immediately
• Maintain and update risk assessments, implement and monitor health and safety measures and maintain understanding of emergency procedures
• Facilitate and participate in education, media and marketing initiatives as required
• Share relevant informative organisational news and updates to the team
• Engage guests informally during the course of duties
• Support and participate in zoo licence inspections and other audits as required
• Maintain an understanding of ethical, population management and animal welfare policies
• Be able to conduct animal talks and demonstrations to the public
• Ensure all animal and bird records are up-to-date and accurate
• Assist Animal Management in promoting the best welfare and ensuring animal health is observed by all team members.
• Observe the behaviour, health and security of animals and report daily any problems to the headkeeper and directors
• Reporting defects or repairs required to enclosures and relevant departments to the maintenance team
• Ensure all exhibits and all other animal sections including kitchens and behind the scene areas are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards at all time
• Be reliable and demonstrate good time-keeping
• An ability to motivate the team by leadership and a professional attitude