Job opportunities

BIAZA Elephant Subgroup - vice-Chair

 

Role Description
BIAZA Mammal Working Group - Elephant Subgroup Vice Chair

The Elephant Subgroup is one of seven subgroups which fall within the BIAZA Mammal Working Group (MWG). The Mammal Working Group sits under the BIAZA Species Advisory Committee.

The Species Advisory Committee’s (SAC) objectives are:

• Setting, promoting and upholding sector specific standards
• Continuously advancing standards for animal welfare
• Harnessing the expertise, evidence and enthusiasm of our members to inform BIAZA policy work
• Celebrating best practice and encouraging knowledge sharing amongst BIAZA members

The Elephant Subgroup (ESG) aims to support the MWG/SAC through the following objectives:

1. Supporting the training of elephant keepers within BIAZA zoos
2. Promoting advances in elephant care within BIAZA zoos
3. Raising awareness of conservation issues facing elephant species in-situ
4. Contributing to and supporting the availability of husbandry resources relating to elephants
5. Providing a clear line of communication between the Elephant Welfare Group and BIAZA institutions caring for elephants.
6. Facilitating and encouraging cooperation and collaboration with other BIAZA Committees and Working Groups.

Elephant Subgroup Vice Chair Role:

This is an unpaid post for which you must have institutional support and your zoo must be a BIAZA member. The ESG Chair responsibilities include:

• Supporting the chair in overseeing the organisation of regular (e.g. twice annual) online EWG meetings, and in-person workshops (e.g. annual).
• When the ESG Chair is not available, representing the ESG at Elephant Welfare Group meetings (usually three annually), and reporting back to ESG where necessary. Ensuring effective communication between the Elephant Welfare Group and ESG members; ensuring elephant keeping staff have input into EWG research projects, guidelines and outputs from the group.  Helping to tailor these outputs so they are useful, workable and effective at improving welfare of the UK’s herds.
• When the ESG Chair is not available, attending bi-annual MWG committee meetings or providing the MWG Chair with necessary ESG updates.  
• Contributing to relevant BIAZA communications and resources e.g., articles for the BIAZA website/BiteSize newsletter, content for the MWG Facebook page, production and review of best practice guidance.
• Being aware of developments in good practice in respect of elephant welfare and zoo legislation.
• Taking an active role in answering enquiries about elephants whenever necessary.
• Dealing with all general enquiries, administration and paperwork relating to the ESG group in a timely, professional and organized manner.
• Having a clear idea on what is happening at EAZA level and disseminating this to the ESG where relevant.