Job opportunities

Senior Keeper

An exciting opportunity has arisen within ZSEA, and we are looking to recruit a Senior Keeper for the Animal dept at Banham Zoological Gardens / Africa Alive Zoological Reserve. The role will be supporting the team with the day-to-day operational running of the section. The successful candidate will manage the team, train staff, and adhere to the section specific best practice protocols and procedures in relation to animal husbandry. They will work closely with the Team Leader, liaising with other departments on maintenance requests, projects, animal encounters, recruitment, risk assessments and commercial activities etc

Main Duties and Responisbilities 

Provide the highest level of husbandry according to the needs and requirements of the animals in your care, so that animals are kept in eth nest physical and mental health possible, with consideration to budgetary constraints.

Effectively handle animals to minimise stress and risk of injury to all involved.

Assist in the supervision and development of staff responsible to the role to address staff learning and development needs and promote a positive working environment.

Ensure a positive impression of yourself and the company is always presented to all customers (internal and external) to reflect the quality of the organisation.

Monitor compliance within the department of policies and procedures in relation to administration and health and safety to ensure they are appropriately followed.

Continuously develop yourself through appropriate learning and development activities as agreed by Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, to deliver excellence.

Undertake other tasks as required by your line management.

Manage the team in the absence of a Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader, ensuring appropriate delegation of duties.

Ensure that all matters of a confidential or private nature are not divulged to any person, unless specifically requested to do so by the Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader.

To be computer literate to an acceptable level to assist in the smooth running of the department, to take responsibility for (including but not exclusive to) pest control, waste meat, food ordering, ZIMS, environmental control parameters etc.

To carry out and monitor a range of minor veterinary procedures/treatments (including ear tagging, hand injections for vaccination, administrating of medications, wing clipping and hoof trimming).

Liaise with other departments as required to achieve ZSEA’s aims and objectives, including HR, Maintenance, Commercial, Education, PR, Veterinary services, Guest Services etc.

This post may require extensive outside working with direct exposure to the weather or indoors in artificially high temperatures & or humid conditions. You will have direct and indirect contact with animals.

Flexibility is needed in animal care emergencies. This may mean long hours are sometimes a necessity and coming into work on days off. Ensuring that keeping staff are trained, available and appropriately supported for these emergencies.

Monitor, promote and assist in enforcing high standards of cleanliness in relation to all aspects of animal husbandry considering, for example, waste disposal, use of equipment, cleaning routines, food preparation and storage etc.

Maintain good customer relations when dealing with undertaking commercial activities (including but not exclusive to) experiences, events, and educational activities.

Foster collaborative working relationships with work colleagues, through effective listening and communication (written/verbal), cooperative and positive approach.

Expectations of the job holder

To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and responsibilities attached to this post.

To adopt an evidence-based approach to animal husbandry

To be committed to the conservation of animals

Can demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.

Able to comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary.

To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service training as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.

Maintain high standards of hygiene, equipment care and housekeeping as routine part of daily duties

Ensure that the relevant systems (ZIMS etc.) are kept up to date and accurate.

Ensure that reports are written, edited, and submitted on time to the relevant departments.

Willing To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.

NB:  This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be encountered.  It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.

Personal Qualities and Experience 

Proven practical experience of animal management with a range of carnivore species.

Have strong attention to detail and safe working practices with high security animals.

Have a passion to work on evolving husbandry management techniques within zoological collections to include positive re-enforcement training for behavioural management and varied methods of enrichment for a range of species.

Knowledge of techniques used to handle specific animals should veterinary procedures be required.

Be able to demonstrate initiative with a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department without always waiting to be asked.

Be able to work in a team and have good communication skills.

Have good familiarity with external zoo associations such as BIAZA and EAZA.

Have either a high-level qualification in a relevant field, DZMAA Keeper’s course or equivalent work experience.

An ability to manage and prioritise a diverse workload.

Demonstrate innovation and initiate new ideas in conjunction with the Team Leader / Deputy Team Leader.

The ability to mentor and enthuse junior staff.

Support agreed management decisions and to communicate this effectively to staff

Apply appropriate judgement when discussing confidential or commercially sensitive information.

Ability to maintain high standards of publicly viewed exhibits.

Extensive practical experience of working with animals within a zoological collection.

Understands health & safety requirements for staff, visitors, and animals and able to implement processes and procedures.

Strong observational and problem-solving skills.

Ability to manage, prioritise and delegate a diverse workload.

Computer literate and working knowledge of Microsoft Programmes

The ability to communicate positively, clearly, and comprehensively with all staff

Ability to travel and attend conferences, and visit other zoos as the position requires, to exchange knowledge beneficial to the collection and or direct input into the conservation of species.

Willingness to consult to other zoos or other organisations as required.

An ability to talk confidently and professionally to visitors or present to groups of visitors. To train and supervise staff in these talks.

Firearms Licence would be advantageous.