Animal Keeper
Please read this document in its entirety before applying.
Position: Animal Keeper
Job Reference: FTAK1
Department: Animals
Shortlisting:
We operate a shortlisting process that helps us ensure we are matching the right people to the correct roles so that we can meet our aims and objectives. As such interviews are comprised of two steps. Before applying, potential applicants should ensure that they meet the criteria in this document.
Please note that should you not be invited for an interview within 4 weeks of your submission date, you should assume that on this occasion you have been unsuccessful. Regrettably we cannot provide individual feedback.
Pre Employment Checks:
We offer employment on the following basis:
- Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
- Two satisfactory references. At least one must be from previous paid employment for this role.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
The HCC takes equal opportunity monitoring seriously in relation to all employment aspects.
This document only outlines influential factors and requirements that are necessary for prospective candidates to successfully carry out the job this position defines.
To help us monitor equal opportunities, there is a separate form that we kindly ask you to fill out and attach with your application. This will not form part of your application and will be stored separately for monitoring purposes.
Applying:
All prospective applications must complete the associated application form in order to be considered for this position. Take careful note of the person specification as this forms a large part of our shortlisting matrix.
Although we accept Curriculum Vitaes as supporting documents, we won’t consider any application without a complete application form.
Once complete, all related documents should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject ‘FTAK1’.
Job Description
Title: Animal Keeper
Reference: FTAK1
Department: Animals
Report to: Zoo Team Leader
Qualifications: Diploma or degree in animal/zoo management area or equivalent. Preferably minimum level 3.
Starting Pay: From £22,007 D.O.E
Role Purpose and Dimensions:
- Follow instruction from the Zoo Team Leader and senior staff members in relation to animals under the care of the animal sections.
- Support the function of senior staff by undertaking additional duties as required.
- Directly contribute to all aspects of animal care, including husbandry routines, environmental enrichment, and veterinary intervention as required.
- Take part in all aspects of animal management, including observations and record keeping, supporting and participating in zoological research.
- Participate in education, media and marketing initiatives to encourage public understanding of animals and promote the HCC mission.
The Role:
This role will include working with all species we care for. Our primate and small mammals sections currently cares for almost 20 species including callitrichids, lemurs, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, sloths, two species of loris, night monkeys, echidna, cuscus, vontsira, prehensile tailed porcupines, armadillos etc.
Our carnivore section includes maned wolf, aardwolf, tayra, ocelots, geoffroy's cats, binturong, rusty spotted cats, kinkajous, otters etc.
The right candidate will have a keen interest in a wide variety of taxa and someone who may be looking to specialise as the role progresses.
Key Duties:
- Daily husbandry and care for the animals within designated sections.
- Maintenance and up-keep of keeper records and daily reports.
- Preparation of diets.
- Maintenance.
- Upkeep of animal behaviour and animal husbandry training.
- VIP experiences, media and guest interaction, education and animal talks.
- Keep up to date records.
- Contribute to zoological research where practical.
- Monitor all the animals within your areas of responsibility for signs of illness, injury or distress and liaise with the Team Leader.
- Supervise volunteers and work experience where necessary.
- Ensure adherence to health and safety policies and procedures.
- Complete checks on animal health, equipment and enclosures before opening and closing.
- Facilitate and participate in education, media and marketing initiatives as required.
- Engage guests informally during course of duties.
- Ensure an exemplary visitor experience for all visitors.
- Assist with zoo wide operations and commercial activities such as events, conferences and experiences.
- Any other duties instructed by the senior team members.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties, which may be asked of you by senior team members.
The Candidate:
Qualifications and Experience
- A qualification in animal management or biological sciences, preferably a minimum level 3.
- Previous sustained experience working in a zoological collection.
- Knowledge and experience of zoo animal management.
- Contemporary knowledge of exotic animal husbandry.
- Understanding of relevant legislation and best practice.
- Full driving licence valid for the UK - Desirable
- Basic understanding of health and safety requirements.
Attributes
- Aptitude for combining academic and practical aspects of the role.
- Aptitude for innovation and practical problem solving.
- Strong communication and people skills.
- An understanding of the values and behaviour expected within this role.
- Maintain high levels of professionalism, service and personal appearance at all times.
- Adaptable for a flexible rota.
Benefits
- Discounted catering and retail purchases incl. entry tickets and experiences.
- Free tickets
- Staff Treats discount programme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
Start Date: To be confirmed with successful candidate.
Closing date This post will stay open until the position is filled. Please assume that if you
(Applications): have not heard back within 4 weeks of submission you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Regrettably, we are unable to provide individual feedback.
Interviews: We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible and interviews will be held at our earliest convenience.
Unfortunately, we cannot conduct interviews over the telephone or Skype etc.
Pay: Up to £26,843.52 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Sevenoaks TN15 7JL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
- ZooKeeper: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
