Job opportunities

Lead Ranger

Vacancy for a Lead Ranger at Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park a not-for-profit organisation, is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, and is located on 100 acres at Fota Island 10km east of Cork City. With an annual attendance of 430,000 visitors, our vision is to inspire people to understand and conserve the biodiversity of our natural world. The Park’s core values of conservation, education and research have ensured that we are uniquely placed to foster greater public understanding of the threats to plant and animal habitats and decreasing global biodiversity.

Fota Wildlife Park has made considerable investment in the past 10 years upgrading its infrastructure including an indoor Giraffe viewing area, the Madagascan Village and the Asian Sanctuary which opened in 2015 and features Asian lions, Sumatran tigers, and Indian rhino.

 

Job Specification– Lead Ranger

 An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Lead Ranger within Fota Wildlife Park. The Lead Ranger will work with carnivores, reptiles, fish, birds and other species.  This position will work with the other Lead Rangers, Senior Rangers and Rangers, and reports to the Animal Care Manager.

The Lead Ranger assists with the leadership of the animal care staff and others in the assigned areas on a daily basis to maximise safety, improve animal welfare, and promote a positive work environment. The Lead Ranger will assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of husbandry standards, enrichment, training, and health care for animals in assigned areas. This includes, but is not limited to, the care and feeding of exotic and domestic animals; the cleaning and maintenance of buildings, exhibits, and other animal enclosures; observation and reporting of physical and behavioural condition of the animals; animal training; and participation in Fota Wildlife Park’s conservation and education programs.

 

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, condition and behaviour of the animals are closely monitored and maintained to the highest standards, taking preventative or remedial action in liaison with the Animal Care Manager as necessary, keeping all relevant records as required.
• Ensure that the day-to-day responsibility for effective line management of animal staff is met while ensuring good communication with line managers.
• Ensure up-to-date knowledge and understanding relevant to the section, utilising all available resources and making recommendations for change and improvement through the appropriate channels.
• Work closely with the veterinary personnel regarding all aspects of animal health care, including assisting with the capture and restraint of all species and being involved with implementation of preventative medicine programmes as required.
• Is proactive in the operant conditioning programme and can train to a level to include various completed behaviours.
• Is proactive in the research and provision of enrichment to stimulate the animals physically and psychologically.
• Ensure that Fota Wildlife Park’s policies and procedures are always followed and ensuring the correct adherence of Health and Safety compliant practices and where appropriate the implementation of new safe working practices with approval of senior line managers.
• With the Animal Care Manager, develop and review animal care SOP’s and SWP’ as necessary.
• Ensure that all departmental staff consistently demonstrate best customer service practice and work at all times to enhance the visitor experience.
• Liaise with the Animal Care Manager and HR department to ensure appropriate handling of people management issues including recruitment, training, development, etc.
• Work with Fota Wildlife Park’s Education Department to facilitate educational programs.
• Represent Fota Wildlife Park on appropriate professional and scientific bodies and promote its profile and reputation as an outstanding centre of animal management, education and conservation.
• Become part of the team that covers Duty Lead Ranger responsibilities on a rota basis.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, which will include some holidays, occasionally evenings and early mornings.
• Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft software products as well as a working knowledge of ZIMS and ZIMS Medical.
• Must be able to travel large areas of Fota Wildlife Park as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Has a substantial experience of zoological animal management, with at least ten years relevant experience.
• A detailed understanding of conservation, research, and education principles relevant to a modern zoological collection.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and train staff in best practices for animal care, welfare, and safety.
• Ability to manage conflict, mentor junior keepers, and support staff performance reviews.
• Experience with rota management, scheduling, and workflow planning.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with staff, vets, management, and the public.
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records, including health logs, training data, and incident reports.
• Commitment to high standards of animal welfare, conservation values, and continuous improvement.
• Has achieved or is willing to work towards an appropriate animal related qualification (DMZAA or equivalent).
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety as it applies in a zoological setting and be proficient in the use of IT systems including ZIMS.
• Able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Applicants must be willing to work Saturdays, Sundays, and some public holidays.
• Comprehensive knowledge of animal welfare legislation and zoo licensing standards.
• Experience with emergency response protocols, including animal escape, animal health emergencies, and severe-weather procedures.
• Competence in animal handling and restraint techniques, including potentially dangerous species.
• Experience developing and implementing animal management protocols, including behavioural enrichment, training programs, nutrition plans, and enclosure maintenance standards.
• Possess a valid Irish Class B or equivalent driver’s licence.
• Be fluent in both written and spoken English.

 

Candidates will possess sufficient experience to effectively lead and manage an experienced team of Rangers and maintain a positive culture. Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong organisational and problem-solving skills.

The responsibilities outlined above are not an exhaustive list and may be subject to change. Additional duties may be assigned as required to meet the evolving needs of the organisation. Fota Wildlife Park is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for team members who share that same value.