Job opportunities

Trainee Keeper

About Us:

ZSEA (Zoological Society of East Anglia) is the charity which runs Banham Zoological Gardens and Africa Alive Zoological Reserve and is in an exciting period of change. Our mission is to connect communities to nature for conservation. To strengthen our commitment to conservation through collaborations, networking, and training activities to measurably improve local, national, and global biodiversity; To educate about nature, in nature, and for nature to foster engagement with the natural world; and to enable Africa Alive Zoological Reserve and Banham Zoological Gardens to empower people to make positive changes in their lives and local communities by promoting the connections between nature and well-being.

 

 

Overview of Role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen within ZSEA, and we are looking to recruit a Trainee Keeper for the Animal dept at Banham Zoological Gardens. The role will be supporting the team with the day-to-day operational running of the section. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high standards of animal welfare and husbandry, be involved in training and enrichment programmes, and respecting the importance of daily observations, communication and record keeping. Applicants must have a passion for working with a variety of animals within a Zoo environment. Experience of dealing with the public is essential, together with the ability to work effectively within a team.

 

Main Duties and Key Responsibilities:

·       Work in a responsible, safe and efficient manner around exotic animals.

·       Observing the behaviour, health and security of animals and reporting any issues to the team leader or senior staff; ensuring that conditions for animals are of the highest standards and reporting any problems, including defects or repairs required to enclosures, to the senior staff on section and relevant departments required.

·       Assisting with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.

·       Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and designing enrichment devices.

·       Ensuring that health & safety and emergency procedures are followed at all times.

·       Assist and develop training and enrichment programs for animals using positive re-enforcement.

·       Communicate efficiently with public to increase public satisfaction and support ZSEA’s aims and objectives.

 

Person Specification:

·       1 year’s practical experience of animal management would be desirable.

·       Have a passion to work on evolving husbandry and 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.

 

Please note: This is a full-time, permanent position (40 hrs/week) based at Banham Zoo. Flexible working is required for this position which will include working 2 in 3 weekends, bank holidays and providing assistance out of hours if required. A full/clean driving license is essential.