Job opportunities

Accreditation Screener

Background
BIAZA’s purpose is to bring together the best zoos and aquariums in Britain and Ireland to create a better future for the planet and its inhabitants. We drive excellence in animal welfare, conservation, education and research, demonstrate our members’ value to society, and use our collective expertise and voice to influence policy and champion positive behaviours.

BIAZA is looking to introduce an accreditation programme for all zoo licence holding members to ensure and evidence the high standards across our membership, and to have supportive and constructive dialogue to continue increasing our collective impact.

Role Description
This voluntary role involves assisting BIAZA to determine whether its members are meeting the required standards and providing advice and support to members to encourage best practice in key areas.  It involves reviewing paperwork and reports compiled by the Accreditation Officer based on information provided by the member and participating in a screening visit to the member to evaluate their achievement of the BIAZA standards in practice.  A member of the BIAZA team will participate in all screenings as the rapporteur, and will provide support throughout the process.  The Accreditation Officer will coordinate and facilitate screenings and provide administrative support to the screeners. 

 

Main Responsibilities

• Participate in accreditation screener training
• Review of desk-based screening paperwork and summary report in advance of screening visits
• Participation in screening visits (1-3 days depending on member size) to objectively evaluate member standards against BIAZA standards in accordance with the accreditation framework
• Agreement of final accreditation report and recommendations

 

Practical Arrangements

This role is voluntary.  You will be part of a wide team of voluntary BIAZA Accreditation Screeners.  As such there is flexibility in the commitment needed but we would hope that screeners would be available to participate in at least one screening per year.  Your travel, accommodation and subsidence expenses while participating in screening on behalf of BIAZA will be covered in accordance with the BIAZA expenses policy.

Person Specification

Required:

• Be a professional BIAZA member or be employed by a full BIAZA member
• Have a minimum of 5 years working experience in a zoo or aquarium
• Currently hold or have previously held a management position in a relevant area (e.g. director, animal management, conservation, conservation education, research)
• Must stay abreast of current best practices and BIAZA policies
• Must be able to remain up to date with BIAZA accreditation screener training.
• Must be able to attend at least 1 accreditation screening per year (& have Director support for this where applicable)
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality
• Must be able to maintain impartiality
• Must have good English written and oral communication skills

Desirable:

• Be actively engaged with BIAZA (e.g. through attending annual conference, participating in Committees or WGs)