Job opportunities

Assistant Manager - permanent position

Amazonia, a tropical house in North Lanarkshire, is seeking an assistant manager, to assist the zoo manager in the day to day running of the animal collection. The role will manage a team of 9 staff, including zoo keepers, education officer and front of house reception team, providing guidance and training, managing rotas and maintaining the highest levels of animal husbandry and visitor interaction. The assistant manager will work closely with the keepers in a very practical role of zoo management and will be required to learn and expand on the husbandry requirements for the entire collection as well as working closely with our reception team, group bookings team and zoo vet. They will provide guidance to the development of keepers and volunteers and will also arrange and provide talks, encounters and answer enquiries from the public.

The assistant manager will be responsible for animals including various species of callitrichidae and other small mammals, reptiles, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and fish. The role is responsible for growing and developing the husbandry needs for the collection, maintaining appropriate facilities and carrying out the necessary requirements for inspections. In the absence of the zoo manager, this role acts as the daily operational lead for Amazonia.

 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

To support the zoo manager in the day to day running of the collection and fully in their absence.

Assist in leading and developing a team of zoo keepers and volunteers, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare are met.

Working with curators, specialists and other zoological collections to make the right decisions involving animal husbandry, diets, capture and restraint procedures, enrichment activities, animal transportation and research projects to be involved in.

Establishing protocols for animal husbandry, breeding programs and population management in the collection.

Supporting the selection and acquisition of new animals for the collection, in line with the current collection plan.

Co-ordinate the actions and decisions of zoo staff during drills and emergencies.

Ensure the zoo is operating within health and safety policies, standards and procedures.

Carry out general zoo maintenance and improvement of enclosures as required.

 

REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 8 years zoo experience, which must include a minimum of 5 years supervisory experience in a zoo environment.

Experience in herpetology, exotic birds and mammals is essential.

Have a broad knowledge of husbandry practices and a good understanding of zoo licence regulations.

Good knowledge of BALAI requirements and experience being involved in inspections.

Proficiency in the use of computer operating systems and the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) software.

Solid team player and able to work independently and under pressure, with excellent communication skills.

Have good attention to detail and a consistent high level of work standard.

Physically and mentally resilient in a small but task-busy and warm environment.

Be hard working, honest, conscientious and uphold high standards of animal husbandry and welfare.

Have exceptional attendance and time keeping skills.

Be confident and engaging with the public, speaking to all ages and abilities.

Experience in overseeing educational aspects of a zoological collection.

Be willing to assist all areas of the business, including tours, educational presentations, general maintenance and upkeep of public areas and the supervision and training of zookeepers.

Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, zoo management or equivalent.

Full clean driving licence.

SALARY

£12.50/hour (reviewed after 6 months), on a flexible rota, covering 34 hours per week

5.6 weeks annual holiday

Starting date: flexible, but ideally no later than 26th August, 2024.