Job opportunities

Volunteer/Work Experience Farm Keeper

Volunteer Role: Farm Keeper Volunteer

Department: Animals (Farm Section)

Location: Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Supervisor: Senior Keeper

Purpose of role/ project:

Keeper Volunteers assist the animal teams with their daily routine. The farm keeper volunteer will learn to care for the farm section of the zoo 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. We consider government industry placements (one day a week for a year).

We expect volunteers to arrive in good time for the working day and give reasonable notice of any absences.

Main tasks volunteer will be asked to undertake:

·         Carrying out daily husbandry tasks on the farm section.

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

·         Cleaning and maintaining the paddocks and stables within the farm section.

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

·         Some sitework including gardening, jet washing and assisting with deliveries.

·         Creating and preparing species specific enrichment for the animals on the farm section.

·         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 but not essential as full training will be provided.

·         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 role includes a lot of cleaning and heavy lifting and you will be on your feet for the whole day.

·         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 the zookeeping industry

·         Practical experience with a variety of domestic animals, including breeding rare breed farm animals.

·         Training and an opportunity to learn new skills including husbandry, gardening, public speaking 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 outside working in all-weather conditions

·     Please note this role requires a good level of physical fitness

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