Job opportunities

Reptile and Invertebrate Keeper

We are looking for an ambitious individual to join our animal care team. If you want to be part of one of the UK's fastest growing zoos, with exciting developments ahead for our new reptile house and are interested about the prospect of being part of something new, this position might be for you!

Wingham Wildlife Park is a family run wildlife park with big emphasis on animal husbandry, conservation, education and safety for our animals, staff, and visitors. We are looking for a likeminded “team player” who would fit in amongst our reptile section and invertebrate section.

The Candidate Will:

·         Be able to communicate on a one-to-one basis as well as leading public talks to large crowds.

·         Have proven experience working with invertebrates and reptiles.

·         Must have some aquatic experience

·         Be able to work as part of a team and on their own.

·         Must be self-motivated and willing to expand their knowledge about invertebrates and reptiles.

·         Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the sections without always waiting to be asked.

·         Have exceptional time keeping skills.

·         Show excellent practical animal husbandry skills.

·         Whilst we are an equal opportunities employer, you will need to be physically fit due to the nature and demands of the role.

·         Have a valid UK driving licence or have good access to transport links.

The Role Involves:

·         Day to day husbandry of the animals covered by the invertebrate and reptile sections, including diet preparation, enrichment, and positive reinforcement training.

·         Excellent observational and note keeping skills when working with the animals at the park.

·         Strict adherence to safe working practices.

·         Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.

Benefits:

·         Permanent Contract

·         28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)

·         In house training, plus access to an extensive training budget covering external workshops, conferences, symposia, and online courses.

·         Free staff parking

·         Free entrance to the zoo on your days off plus 5 complimentary day tickets per year

·         Uniform

·         30% staff food discount

·         40% staff drinks & snacks discount

·         20% animal experiences discount

·         10% gift shop discount

This full-time position (40 hours per week) requires people to be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. This position also requires people to be able to work on weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays.

This position will start at the rate of £24,835.20 per annum with a performance-based wage review at 1 year.