Duty Manager
Jigsaw Farm Zoo
County Tyrone. Northern Ireland Closing date for applications is: 12th Aug 2025Contact: | Phelim Devlin ([email protected]) |
Sector: | Animal Care |
Type: | Paid |
Contract type: | Part-time |
Salary: | £27,000 - £30,000 |
Jigsaw Farm can be found in County Tyrone, nestled between the Ballinderry River and the shores of Lough Neagh. It is an idyllic location in a protected RAMSAR site and offers panoramic view across the five counties which border the shores of the largest lake in Ireland. The vast waters of Lough Neagh make it feel like an ocean and the farmland that surround it is rippled with history, heritage, nature and beauty.
Jigsaw Farm is a muti facetted enterprise including -
Social Farm: Jigsaw Farm has extensive contracts with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust to deliver therapeutic services using animals for people with learning difficulties.
Farm Experiences: Authentic, tourism based, farm experiences that provides customers the ability to experience day to day activities on an Irish Farm.
Mobile Petting Zoo: Jigsaw farm provides and extensive range of educational outreach to Schools throughout Northern Ireland bring the animals to the school as a learning tool.
Suckler Farm: Jigsaw Farm also has a commercial suckler farm of 60 Aberdeen Angus and Hereford Cows which overlaps into the social farming and farm experiences. There is also a small calf rearing enterprise.
Jigsaw Farm is registered with DAERA as a Zoo and hold all relevant licences. We want to develop our on-site services to welcome the public onto the Farm. Our current range of animals include:
- Herd of Irish Dexter Miniature Cows
- Oxford Sandy Pigs
- Miniature Pigs
- Flock of Dorset Sheep
- Pygmy Goats
- Horses & Ponies
- Donkeys
- Alpacas
- Rabbits
- Guinea Pigs
- Ducks & Hens
- Sugar Gliders
- Micro Squirrels
- Chinchilla
- Chameleons
- Geckos
- Bearded Dragons
- Tortoises
- Pygmy Hedgehogs
- Tarantulas
- Snakes
- Frogs
- Giant Snails
- Parrots
We are looking to expand this range into larger animals and work with our sister company Exploris Aquarium to provide on site services for the public.
We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Duty Manager to oversee daily operations and ensure a high standard of service within Jigsaw Farm. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, the ability to manage a diverse team effectively and oversee the growth of a quickly developing company. This role is crucial in maintaining operational excellence while growing and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Job Specification;
- Supervise daily operations to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Manage all aspects of livestock including breeding programmes
- Lead, motivate, and develop staff to deliver exceptional service standards.
- Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback in a professional manner.
- Monitor staff performance and provide constructive feedback to enhance productivity.
- Ensure that health and safety regulations are adhered to at all times.
- Manage inventory levels and assist with stock control as required.
- Coordinate with other departments to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Delivering Educational Programmes to schools
You must have:
- Proven experience in a managerial role within the industry
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with staff and customers.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Flexibility to work various shifts.
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations relevant to the industry is advantageous.
- A positive attitude with a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service
- Completing daily health & safety checks
- Reporting and recording of any safety issues
- Ensuring staff are working safely
Desirable:
- Driver Licence in UK or Ireland with Trailer towing entitlement or a willingness to work towards this.
- Experience in working with people with Learning Difficulties
The Package
- Permanent contract
- 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.
- Salary of £27,000-30,000 per annum depending on experience
- 28 days annual leave per year
- Staff pass so you can visit our other businesses during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends. These include;
- Crumlin Road Gaol
- Exploris Aquarium
- Pickie Fun Park
- Belfast Castle
- Discounted gym membership
- Pension scheme with generous employer contributions
- Excellent training and career progression opportunities
- Accomitation on site can be arranged
- Company vehicle
Apply for this job:
To apply please send you detailed CV to [email protected] alongside a cover letter which explains your motivation for applying, where you currently reside and your work availability.