Job opportunities

Animal Keeper - Sea Lions and Penguins

Job title: Animal Keeper – Sea lions & Penguins

Location: Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, FK9 4UR

Salary: From £25,100 p.a.

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Insurance, Staff Family Passes, EAP, 20% Staff discount in Park, free parking, uniform.

Working hours: 40 hours per week (10 days in 14)

The Company

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park was opened to the public in 1970 and was, at the time, one of Britain’s first safari parks. We are now one of the most popular visitor attractions in Scotland. The Park has a strong focus on conservation, education and the local community. We also run a successful fundraising program for conservation “link to the wild”.

As part of our ongoing development program, we have completely refurbished our sea lion facilities this year and we hope to have these open fully in the Autumn of 2021.

This is an expanding opportunity for an experienced and confident trainer to join our sea lion team, working with our Humboldt penguins and six California sea lions. This position is offered on a full time, fixed term basis. Relocation assistance is available to the right candidate.

The Role

You will be part of the team responsible for the care, training, and all aspects of animal husbandry of our Humboldt penguins and California sea lions. Furthermore, the role will include daily presentations, cleaning, environmental enrichment and maintenance of the life support system. Ensuring the safety of our animals, staff and visitors at all times are of key importance and ensuring that health & safety protocols are always followed.
 

Essential requirements

• Animal training experience of at least two years
• Demonstrable practical and theoretical experience of classical and operant conditioning
• Physically fit and hardworking (can lift 25KG)
• Excellent observational skills
• Self-motivated and pro-active
• Demonstrable experience of following safe working protocols
• A current full driving licence

Desirable requirements

• Experience working with marine mammals
• Animal related qualification to HND level or above
• The zoo animal management qualification (DMZAA)
• Public presentation skills
• Demonstrable experience of implementing training programmes

Selection Process

We will be reviewing candidates on a rolling basis.  Interviews will be held in August 2024.  First round may be virtual to limit travel, followed by a trial day on site for short-listed candidates.