Job opportunities

Animal Keeper (Maternity Cover)

Job purpose

To provide a high standard of animal husbandry and care primarily within the Tropical World facility.

Responsibilities

To assist other animal keepers in general duties to include the daily cleaning of all enclosures and maintenance of ponds.

To be familiar with animal food preparation and hygiene methods, that may include strictly controlled specialised dietary requirements.

To assist during the movement of livestock and when undertaking animal health checks.  This may require animal restraint and handling.

To assist any improvements required in the facilities at Tropical World or West Leeds Country Park Visitor Centre, including participation in interior landscaping.

To assist in the provision of interactive, educational activities for all visitors to the zoo.

To assist in the training of placement students and volunteers in accordance with the Parks and Countryside Training and Development plan.

Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.

Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.

Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.

Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice

Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.

Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.

Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post

The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Qualifications

NVQ 2 in Animal Care or equivalent

Personal Specification

Method of assessment will be through one or more of the following application form, test, interview, and certificate.

Essential requirements

Detailed below are the types of skills, experience and knowledge that are required of applicants applying for the post. The ‘Essential Requirements’ indicate the minimum requirements, and applicants lacking these attributes will not be considered for the post.  

The points detailed under ‘Desirable Requirements’ are additional attributes to enable the applicant to perform the position more effectively or with little or no training. They are not essential but may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Skills

Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels.

Ability to maintain a high standard of animal husbandry and animal welfare.

Ability to interpret instructions and implement them accordingly.

Ability to work effectively both as a team member and on own initiative.

Ability to keep accurate required records relating to animal welfare.

Ability to assist in the movement of animal stock as required.

Ability to undertake interior landscaping, which may involve the

Ability to assist in the provision of interactive, educational activities for all visitors to the zoo.

Ability to work to set deadlines and goals. 

Knowledge

Knowledge specifically related to the needs of exotic animal species and their specialised requirements.

Knowledge of legislation and statutory requirements connected with the keeping of live animals within a zoological environment. 

Experience

Experience in working with exotic animal species.

NVQ Level 2 in Animal Care or equivalent.

Experience of at least 3 years working within a zoological environment.

Previous experience of working with mammals. 

Behavioural and other Characteristics required

Committed to continuous improvement.

Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.

Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.

Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development

Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct