Job opportunities

Zookeeper

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties

 

1.          To be responsible for the general welfare and husbandry of Zoo animals including the cleaning and inherent safety of enclosures, the preparation and storage of animal food and the feeding of animals.
 

2.          To supervise and be responsible for the work of volunteers, students, researchers, invited guests or interested parties working, helping and refurbishing etc. all enclosures within the immediate area of animals.
 

3.          To train and be trained in all aspects of animal husbandry.
 

4.          To keep a varied, detailed and complete record of all animals within a given remit including but not limited to daily report sheets, quarantine records and veterinary records.
 

5.          To supervise and be responsible for patrolling the Zoo as required and the direction and diplomatic control of visitors on a daily basis including the use of appropriate measures to deal with unforeseen situations.

 

6.          To communicate orally and in writing on a range of Zoo issues to a range of Zoo stakeholders including; veterinary care, the Police Service for Northern Ireland (PSNI), public relations, interest groups, senior managers and at special events.
 

7.          To organise, implement, maintain and control many varied interactive, fundraising and hospitality events involving the public and any other interested parties.
 

8.          To be responsible for using and maintaining a variety of machinery and equipment.

 

9.          To use and apply all appropriate chemicals and related substances in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and COSHH or other relevant health and safety regulations.
 

10.      To implement all relevant Belfast City Council and Zoo health and safety policies and procedures including various daily checks; (including dangerous animals, escape and lost children) and acting as a keyholder for all animal enclosures and public areas.
 

11.      To liaise with external contractors working in the Zoo over working arrangements, timing and nature of work to be done in and around animal enclosures.

 

12.      To carry out minor repairs and maintenance on animal enclosures as required until full remedial or other appropriate action can be taken.

 

13.      To maintain the cleanliness and general safety of the areas around animal enclosures through litter picking and associated activities.

 

14.      To administer and maintain a working knowledge of appropriate and relevant drugs and medication for the treatment of animals under suitable veterinary guidance.

 

 

15.      To undertake the duties of the post in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the Zoo and the council.

 

16.      To motivate and manage any staff, that may be assigned, to the post holder to ensure effective service delivery and to be responsible for reviewing and implementing a proper staff training and development programme.

 

17.      To participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Belfast City Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.

 

18.      To participate as directed in the council’s recruitment and selection procedures.

 

19.      To act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.

 

20.      To undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.

 

This job description has been written at a time of significant organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve.  Therefore, the post-holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description but which are commensurate with the role.