Job opportunities

Volunteer animal keeper (Farm)

Volunteer Role:

Farm Keeper Volunteer

Location:

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Supervisor:

Senior Keeper

Purpose of role/ project:

Keeper volunteers assist the animal team 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.

We have a small but highly successful and dynamic animal team at BPCZ. We are looking for a volunteer who would like to get stuck in to zoo life and gain vital skills needed for a career in the industry, or simply someone who wants to learn new skills whilst helping to care for some amazing animals at the same time! 

Commitment of role:

This placement is a minimum of 1 day per week. Hours are 8:30am-5:30pm in summer and 8:00-5:00pm in winter.

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.

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.