Job opportunities

Head Animal Keeper

Job Purpose: To assist in the provision of a high standard of animal husbandry within the Tropical World visitor attraction.

Responsibilities for Grade:

• To assist the Animal Officer in the day to day organisation, management and supervision of staff and resources for the Tropical World collection of birds, repltiles, mammals and fish, incorporating existing examples of good practice within the national legislative framework and the constraints of departmental and Leeds City Council policies.

• To ensure that animal welfare policy procedures and animal husbandry is maintained to a high standard in line with guidelines laid out in the Secretary of States standards of Modern Zoo Practice and in accordance with the Zoo Licence and to assist in the implementation and resolution of animal management issues.

• To ensure that accurate records are kept, monitored and initiated, ensuring that those records are up to date, accessible and in line with current standards.

• To assist in the co-ordination and development of operational procedures for the various disciplines as required, including the supervision of contactors whilst within the zoo confines.

• To assist in the support of conservation and educational activities, including assisting and devising the design and implementation of zoo interpretation, supervising and implementing infrastructure maintenance within a zoo environment, recognising the impact such works will have on animals and birds in captivity.

• To work with other teams outside the zoo, to achieve a co-ordinated visitor experience at Tropical World, liaising with media as required and delivering ‘Meet the Keeper’ sessions.

• To assist with the recruitment and undertake induction of all staff for which the post is responsible.

• To supervise, train and develop animal and keepers, apprentices, placement students and volunteers in all aspects of animal husbandry in line with current legislation.

• To assist in liaison with government inspectors relating to zoo licencing.

• To liaise with other zoological collections and stud book keepers nationwide regarding species advise, stock movements etc, ensuring that any movements and exchanges of livestock are in line with current legislation and BIAZA transportation policy and accurate records maintained.

• To organise and assist with on-site veterinary visits and to undertake basic veterinary procedures as authorised and instructed, modifying animal husbandry and nutritional guidelines where necessary following consultation with vets, managers etc.

• To assist keepers in general duties when necessary, including the daily cleaning of all enclosures, ponds and off-view facilities.

• To comply with the health and safety and equal opportunities policies of the Council and legislation regarding employment conditions.

• To comply with the defined procedures and Standing Orders of the Council.

• To undertake any duties as may be commensurate with the post and grade.

Qualifications:

Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), Sparsholt College or equivalent qualification or substantial equivalent working experience.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities:  Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

Skills Required:

• Ability to carry out animal husbandry to a high standard in line with the Secretary of State`s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.
• Ability to interpret instructions and implement them accordingly.
• Competent in the safe catching and restraining of non-tame zoo animals and birds.
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels
• Ability to undertake cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures and ponds, which will involve bending and lifting.
• Ability to undertake interior landscaping, which may involve the lifting and moving of heavy objects.
• Ability to supervise and train junior Keepers, placement students, and volunteers.
• Ability to handle a wide range of captive animal and bird species
• Ability to deliver a verbal presentation of a zoo nature to groups and individuals.

Knowledge Required:

• Knowledge of legislation and statutory requirements connected with the keeping of live animals within a zoological environment.
• Knowledge of ZIMS system.
• Recognised animal husbandry qualification: Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium
• Animals (DMZAA), Sparsholt College or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience.
• Repair and maintenance of animal enclosures.
• Full Driving licence.

Experience Required:

• 5 years minimum working in a zoo environment.
• 2 years minimum in a supervisory position
• Experience in water management within an aquarium setting.
• Experience with a variety of exotic animals, including primates, birds, reptiles & amphibians.
• Experience of taking receipt of deliveries and ordering goods from suppliers.
• Experience in the operation of ZIMS
• Experience and understanding of artificial incubation.
• Experience in delivering verbal presentations/keeper talks to groups and individuals.

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

• Willing to abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the Council.
• Willing to carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under the council’s Health and safety Policies