Job opportunities

Animal Keeper - Large Mammals and Hoofstock

Job title: Animal Keeper – Large Mammals and Hoofstock

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

Salary: From £25,100 p.a.

Benefits: Generous Employer Contribution Company Pension, Life Insurance, Staff Family Passes, Annual Staff ‘Behind the Scenes Experience Voucher’, 24hr Employee Assistance Programme, 20% Staff Discount in Park, Free parking, Uniform, Support with Relocation (if required).

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”.

We are currently looking for an experienced and confident animal keeper to join our team working with our Large Mammals and Hoofstock species.   This position is offered on a full time, permanent basis.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity working as part of a team with primary responsibility for the management and welfare of our African Savannah Elephant, Southern White Rhinos, Giraffes, Zebra, Ostrich and an extensive range of ungulate species that are managed in our drive through sections of the Park.

Your duties will include, although not limited to:

• Deliver the highest standards of animal welfare, including monitoring health, welfare, and general wellbeing.
• Manage all day-to-day tasks, including maintenance, cleaning food preparation & distribution and feeding. 
• Plan and order animal food deliveries. Be responsible for ensuring correct quantities, quantity and type is provided for each animal and stored correctly.
• Responsible for maintaining the section and animal accommodation in a clean, safe & tidy condition.
• Liaise with the vet on any given day regarding any animal health issues, following any instructions of medication and care requirements.
• Dose animal medication as per vet's instructions.
• Maintaining all documentation relating to welfare standards.
• Monitor diets against the condition of animals and life stages.
• Responsible for all daily record keeping, preparing all relevant documentation relating to animal welfare and husbandry.
• Identifying potential routine/behaviour problems as and when they occur, working closely with colleagues to implement solutions.
• Protected contact training. Using positive reinforcement training to gain access to animals for blood draws, foot work, treatment of injuries, etc.
• Mucking out of enclosures and animal buildings – maintaining all areas to a high standard, having an eye for detail, and taking pride in the department’s appearance.
• Assisting with the department’s programme of enrichment
• Promote a positive attitude within your team.

Applicant Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to deliver an excellent level of animal husbandry and welfare for the animals on the department. They must have keen observation skills and be focused on making a positive contribution to the department as a whole. It’s essential that they are self-motivated and capable of independent work, while at the same time be comfortable working within a team in a supportive and positive manner. They must be pro-active and take a hands-on approach within the department including some groundwork and maintenance and with an eye for detail and presentation.

The candidate must have an interest and some knowledge of managing mixed groups of large ungulate species and their complex individual requirements.

Weekend, bank holiday working and flexibility in working hours is essential to this role. Some evening work will be required during special events throughout the year.

Ensuring the safety of our visitors, staff and animals is of key importance and ensuring that health & safety protocols are followed at all times. 

Essential requirements

• Animal care experience in a similar setting– minimum 2 years
• Animal related qualification to HND level or above.
• Demonstrable experience of providing species appropriate environments and enrichment
• Demonstrable operant conditioning experience
• Physically fit and hardworking
• Excellent observational skills
• Self-motivated and pro-active
• Demonstrable experience of following safe working protocols
• A current full driving licence

Desirable requirements

• Experience of working with Large Mammal and ungulate species
• The zoo animal management qualification (DMZAA)
• Demonstrable experience of implementing training programmes, with emphasis on dealing with stereotypic behaviours
• Chainsaw licence
• Experience operating heavy plant and undertaking maintenance.