Job opportunities

The AWWG is very active and ambitious, and directly contributes to driving forwards animal welfare across BIAZA.  Key successes have been the creation of the BIAZA Animal Welfare Toolkit and the additional Events, Quality of Life and Visitor-Animal Experiences Welfare Tools, as well as associated training presentations at various conferences and the BIAZA Animal Welfare Policy.  The group’s current work focus includes the development and delivery of animal welfare training opportunities encompassing a broad range of taxa, in line with the new BIAZA accreditation standards. 

The AWWG is now looking to expand in order to ensure it captures expertise and experiences from a diverse range of zoos and aquariums and across taxa.  The group is particularly looking for members with experience of birds, ectotherms and aquatics, experience/excellent knowledge of practical animal husbandry, maintenance of life support systems and the passion to deliver practical training courses and workshops to peers. Other expertise will also be considered.  

AWWG Member Role Description  

AWWG members support the group Chair and Vice-Chair in achieving the groups objectives through: 

• Supporting the Chair and group in working with the BIAZA Office to create and review progress towards an AWWG action plan or strategy following the BIAZA strategy. 
• Attending AWWG meetings.  These take place at least twice a year (often July & December) and are usually held online, although in person meetings may take place occasionally.  Additional meetings may be held as needed to facilitate achieving objectives.
• Establishing and contributing to Focus Groups for certain tasks when deemed necessary, such as to create resources on a particular topic.
• Facilitating and encouraging cooperation and collaboration with other BIAZA committees and Working Groups, particularly the Species Advisory Committee and Taxon Working Groups. Responding to, advising on, and contributing to best practice guidance on matters of animal welfare.
• Contributing to relevant BIAZA communications and resources e.g. articles for the BIAZA website, updates for BIAZA BiteSize newsletter, presenting at conferences etc.
• Supporting the Chair and BIAZA Office in responding to ad-hoc queries from the membership. 

Members serve for an initial term of not more than three years but may be re-elected for a second three-year term to usually serve up to a maximum period of six consecutive years.