Seasonal Animal Carer - 6 months Fixed Term Contract
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
Location: South East
Closing date for applications is: 4th May 2025
Salary: National Living Wage/National Minimum Wage
The Wildheart Trust is a young charity currently in a period of exciting change. We have big goals for the future, and some incredible ground-breaking projects underway. A fixed-term full-time vacancy has arisen within our Wildheart Animal Sanctuary animal team, based on the Isle of Wight, which will provide someone with an incredible opportunity to join us during this time. This role is seasonal and will be for a period of 6 months.
We are looking for someone with a broad range of interest in working with different species of animals. Previous animal experience is preferred but we will consider recently qualified applicants.
Animal carers are responsible for maintaining high standards of husbandry and care for the animals assigned to them. They are expected to follow set husbandry standards and be involved in all aspects of care for the animals including enrichment, training, weighing of the animals along with their normal welfare duties.
In return we can offer you an exceptionally varied, unique and rewarding role within a great team. As part of your package, you will have uniform provided, enjoy free parking, and have free sanctuary admission for your household whilst working with us. Alongside this, we have various Island business discounts, including ferry travel and leisure memberships.
General Function of the Position
To inspire and empower people, as per the mission of The Wildheart Trust by providing an exemplary visit experience to our visitors and offering educational insights.
To contribute to providing our animals with the best welfare by monitoring their behaviour and ensuring their safety, and liaising with the animal care team when necessary.
To provide support to the animal care team where required.
Key Tasks
1. Animal Management
o To undertake daily animal husbandry including cleaning, feeding, training, and enrichment in accordance with the section routines.
o Reporting observed welfare, behavioural or veterinary concerns promptly to Animal Manager/Deputy Animal Manager.
o Undertake and record animal observations as set out in record keeping policy.
o Prepare and present diets in line with agreed diet sheets.
o Keep all areas, including storage and off-show areas to a high standard of hygiene and tidiness.
2. Exhibits
o To keep exhibits and surrounding areas maintained to a very high standard of presentation.
o To report any maintenance or wear and tear to Animal Manager.
o To assist where instructed with pest control.
o Assist in department projects as required.
3. Conservation
o Ensure you have a good working knowledge of the conservation work undertaken by the Wildheart Trust.
4. Animal Experiences
o Undertake unique animal experiences with visitors ensuring that they receive a one-in-a-lifetime encounter whilst adhering to sanctuary guidelines ensuring the safety of participants and animal welfare.
5. Equipment
o Use equipment such as a radio. The equipment must be used and stored with due care and attention.
6. Health and Safety
o To comply with all health and safety requirements as per the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary health and safety Manual and site-specific risk assessments.
o Participate in animal escape drills and be aware of the emergency procedures.
7. Communications, education and public awareness
o Participate in education, media and marketing initiatives as required.
o Engage with visitors informally during the course of duties.
o Engage with visitors formally through talks promoting The Wildheart Trust’s conservation aims and insights into the sanctuary’s animal collection.
8. Compliance and Best Practice
o Participate in Zoo licence inspections and other audits as required.
o Learn and maintain understanding of departmental and other relevant sanctuary policies.
Qualifications
Full UK Driving License.
Experience
2 Years in a public-facing role.
Skills and Abilities
* Ability to Learn: Shows a willingness to learn and use new processes.
* Animal relations: Have a genuine affinity for animals and interest in the natural world.
* Ability to Organise: Ability to keep good records.
* Interpersonal Relations: Interacts effectively with colleagues in order to advance the work of the sanctuary.
* Presentations: Can effectively prepare and deliver talks which are informative, accurate, and engaging.
* Professional / Technical Expertise: Demonstrates a high level of expertise in all phases of the job.
* Time Management: Good timekeeping.
* Visitor Focused: Strong communication and people skills including a positive, friendly and approachable attitude at all times towards visitors to the sanctuary.
* Teamwork: Actively participates as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.
* Living the values: An understanding of the values and behaviour expected by the Wildheart Trust.
Apply for this job:
Please forward a copy of your CV and covering letter giving examples of why you are the perfect candidate for this position to:
Applications should be submitted by midnight on 4th May 2025 and you will need to be available to start by 25th June.
Interviews are provisionally planned for 15th & 16th May.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position as soon as possible.
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