Position: Full time zookeeper position to start ASAP
Salary starting: (£23,795.20)
About Us:
New Forest Wildlife Park is an established and expanding family run business. We endeavour to attain the highest standards of animal husbandry, conservation, and education. Our mission is to promote and achieve the global conservation of animals and their habitats through education and interaction with the public.
Our two centres hold an important and diverse range of species, promoting both U.K. and European native species, focusing on both extant and extinct species, as well as some important exotic species.
Overview of Role:
We are seeking an Animal Keeper to work with a wide range of species within our collection. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain high standards of animal welfare and husbandry, performing daily checks and records of animals within all sections.
Working hours are 40hrs per week on a rota system including weekends and Bank Holidays. A flexible approach to working hours is necessary. 28 days holiday allowance.
The role is physically demanding. As our site is mainly outdoors, the successful candidate must enjoy working in all weather conditions, both independently and as part of a team.
Applicants should have a passion for working with a variety of animals within a zoo environment. Any experience with native U.K. and European species, or farm/domestic/stock handling would be an advantage. Agricultural background and good stock handling/hands-on experience are essential. Excellent communication skills, public-facing and customer service are also essential in this role.
We are carnivore and ungulate focused, and a good working knowledge/experience with small and medium Cat1 carnivores will be an advantage. Experience with wolverine, bears, wolves, etc., would be ideal.
Relevant qualifications will be taken into consideration, and a background of basic animal management/conservation-based learning at college or university will be an advantage. The qualities we are looking for are passion, positivity, drive, common sense, enthusiasm, and focus. Actual hands-on experience and a solid previous work experience/volunteering position which has been long-term is a key factor. Full training will be given, and individual personal experience will be taken into consideration. CPD will be encouraged.
Main Duties:
* Assisting with the cleaning of all areas within the zoo.
* Assisting with enclosure/paddock servicing, maintenance, and refurbishment.
* Assisting with the preparation of approved diets, nutrition, and enrichment.
* Assisting under instruction/supervision the carrying out of correct feeding procedures where this is deemed appropriate by the Animal Manager.
* Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are always followed.
* Assisting where appropriate with the movement and/or training of animals, “Meet the Animals,” etc. as directed by senior staff.
* Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors.
* Reporting defects and repairs required to the Animal Manager or more senior staff.
* Assisting in various projects related to animal management as directed by senior animal management staff.
Working with Category 1 DWA animals and previous experience is preferred, particularly with large carnivores.
* Accurate written record keeping skills with a good basic knowledge of ZIMS.
Personal Specification:
* Practical experience of animal management with a range of domestic and exotic species in a zoological setting is preferred.
* Minimum one year of paid employment in a U.K. zoological facility or equivalent.
* Broad taxonomic knowledge on a range of species managed within zoological collections. A particular advantage would be carnivore/mustelid, native wildlife, and strigiform husbandry.
* Willingness to work and learn about evolving husbandry management within zoological collections, including positive reinforcement training for behavioral management and methods of enrichment for a range of species.
* Knowledge of techniques in handling and restraining animals for movements and veterinary procedures.
* Demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department.
* Drive to improve one’s own knowledge and create a keeper position that is enjoyed by any applicant; our keepers have a great deal more freedom than in many other U.K. zoos, and particular projects and passions will be taken into consideration.
* Willingness and drive for continued CPD and a long-term career approach to working in a zoological collection.
* Keeper experiences are an essential part of our business. An ability to share knowledge and ensure all our visitors have a positive experience during their visit.
* A full clean driving license is required.
* Accommodation will not be provided on site.
* Public transport is not available; must have own means of transport.
* No telephone or Skype interviews. Interviews will be held outside at the New Forest Wildlife Park, consisting of a full day hybrid interview/part formal and part day out with the keeping team.
* We are seeking to secure the position as soon as possible, so interviews will be held at our earliest convenience. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
To Apply:
Applicants MUST SUPPLY their C.V., Application form, and Covering Letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position, and including details of availability). For all application forms and application returns, please email jason@newforestwildlifepark.co.uk.
Closing date: midnight Monday 10th February 2025.
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