Job opportunities

Volunteer/Work experience Reptile Keeper

Volunteer Role: Reptile Keeper Volunteer

Department: Animals (Reptile & Amphibian House)

Location: Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Supervisor: Senior Keeper

Purpose of role/ project:

Keeper Volunteers assist the animal teams with their daily routine. The reptile keeper volunteer will learn to care for the reptile to a high standard, under the supervision of the animal team as well as carry out additional tasks around the rest of the zoo if needed,

Commitment of role:

This placement is a minimum of 1 day a week for 1 year. Hours are 8:30am-5:30pm in summer and 8:00-5:00pm in winter. This 1 year voluntary opportunity can contribute towards work experience/ industry placements.

We expect the volunteers arrive in good time for the shift and give reasonable notice of any absences

Main tasks volunteer will be asked to undertake:

·         Carrying out daily husbandry tasks in the reptile house.

·         Recording temperatures, humidities, water parameters and UV.

·         Carrying out aquarium water changes.

·         Assisting with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedure within the reptile house.

·         Cleaning and maintaining the habitats within the reptile house.

·         Caring for tropical plants within a variety of habitats.

·         Feeding, monitoring and cleaning the live food invertebrates for the zoo.

·         Supporting positive visitor experiences by good customer service and visitor engagement.

·         Creating and preparing species specific enrichment for the animals in the reptile house.

·         Volunteer keepers may be asked to carry out tasks on other sections of the zoo if needed.

Anticipated skills and experience that the volunteer will bring:

·         Experience of working with animals is preferred.

·         Enthusiasm and an interest in animals and conservation.

·         Ability to work independently and in a team, and be confident to ask for assistance when needed.

·         Ability to work calmly and sensitively in animal environments

·         Good levels of physical fitness – this involves working in a hot and humid environment and requires an ability to climb into small spaces.

·         Good levels of English to enable clear communication and understanding.

·         Good initiative and a willingness to learn, follow instructions and communicate.

·         Commitment to ongoing training.

NB. Volunteers must be aged over 18 years.

 

Skills and experience volunteer will gain:

·      A good introduction to herpetology in the zookeeping industry.

·         Practical experience with a variety of reptiles, fish and amphibians.

·         Training and an opportunity to learn new skills including husbandry, gardening, data collection and DIY.

·         Support from experienced animal keepers.

Support and resources provided:

·      Named contact/supervisors to provide support and guidance in this role.

·      6-month appraisal to discuss progress and how the programme can be tailored to best suit the volunteer’s ambition over the remainder of the year

·      Assistance in creating a portfolio which includes a skills sign off sheet, demonstrating the skills learned throughout the course of the year which can be used in future job applications.

·      Letter of recommendation at the end of the placement

·      Volunteer T-shirt*

·      *NB. Volunteers will be required to wear some of their own clothing including stout walking shoes to undertake this role and should be prepared for clothing to get wet and dirty.

Workplace Conditions:

·     This role requires working within a hot and humid environment, sometimes in small spaces.

·     Occasional work outside in all weathers if needed.

·      Access to basic kitchen facilities and an indoor space for breaks.