Senior Animal Keeper

The Role:

Reporting to the Animal Manager, you will support them and the team in helping to ensure the highest standards of animal care and team coordination effectively and safely. You will play a leading role predominantly within our mammals section, including but not limited to: African Crested Porcupines, Large Hairy Armadillos, Meerkats, Red Squirrels, and more, while also providing additional support to the avian sector when required.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Animal Manager and Zoological Director in ensuring high standards of animal welfare, taking a leading role in our day-to-day operations and overseeing them in their absence.

• Lead and motivate the animal team in animal training to promote the highest standard of animal husbandry.

• Researching and implementing behavioural and environmental enrichment opportunities for a variety of species.

• Refurbishing and maintaining exhibits with species-specific suitability in mind to promote natural behaviour and ensuring high standards of presentation for guests with a positive attitude and professional manner.

• Strict adherence to risk assessments, biosecurity and safe working practices.

• Carrying out animal experiences, talks, displays and occasionally assisting the education department in planning and carrying out education sessions for school groups and visitors, ensuring the zoo mission messages are being delivered. This may also include zoo events.

• Assist the Senior Management Team in ensuring that the zoo's policies, procedures and protocols are followed at all times. Take a leading role in the training of new and existing keepers in all tasks required.

• With attention to detail, assist the Animal Manager and the animal team in ensuring all animal records are correct and recorded by the team to the required standard.

• Be proactive in the support and facilitation of work from other departments, including zoo-based research, in-situ and ex-situ conservation and education.

• Work closely with other departments such as the Raptor Hospital, veterinary team and maintenance, taking a proactive approach where animal health and welfare are affected.

• Lead by being passionate and driven with a positive outlook, to help the zoo achieve its mission and goals.

• Assist the Animal Manager with additional administrative duties where required in alignment with Zoo Licensing.

• You will be on a set 4-week rota which will include bank holidays and weekends, with a minimum of one weekend off per month.

Requirements

Essential:

• At least 5 years of employment working with animals in a zoological environment.

• Knowledge and practical application of positive reinforcement training techniques.

• Up-to-date best-practice knowledge for species management and be highly motivated in the delivery of these high standards.

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise work; producing high-quality work in an efficient and timely manner.

• Have great observational skills for all animals within the park, understanding animal behaviour and the ability to keep accurate records relating to animal welfare.

• Be confident in presenting engaging, educational messages to audiences.

• Flexibility in working times and duties is a key requirement.

• You will need to be hard-working, enthusiastic and reliable with a passion for animal welfare, conservation and education, helping to champion this with our staff, volunteers and guests.

• Full UK Drivers License.

• Have great team-working and communication skills and adaptability to suit the needs of the role.

• Be able to work effectively and with minimum supervision within a timely manner.

• Have strong interpersonal skills and be confident to interact with the public.

• Be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weathers.

• Take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills.

Desirable:

• DMZAA or equivalent qualification/experience.

• Experience in a similar senior role with leadership skills.

• Knowlegable within Zoo Licensing requirements.

• IT competence in Microsoft Office and ZIMS.