Animal Keeper - Large Mammals and Hoofstock
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
Location: Scotland, near Stirling
Closing date for applications: 31st Jan 2025
Salary: From £25,100 p.a.
Benefits: Generous Employer Contribution Company Pension, Life Insurance, Staff Family Passes, Annual Staff ‘Behind the Scenes Experience Voucher’, 24hr Employee Assistance Programme, 20% Staff Discount in Park, Free parking, Uniform, Support with Relocation (if required).
Working hours: 40 hours per week (10 days in 14)
The Company
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park was opened to the public in 1970 and was, at the time, one of Britain’s first safari parks. We are now one of the most popular visitor attractions in Scotland, with a strong focus on conservation, education, and the local community.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity working as part of a team with primary responsibility for the management and welfare of our African Savannah Elephant, Southern White Rhinos, Giraffes, Zebra, Ostrich, and an extensive range of ungulate species managed in our drive-through sections of the Park.
Your duties will include, although not limited to:
* Deliver the highest standards of animal welfare, including monitoring health, welfare, and general wellbeing.
* Manage all day-to-day tasks, including maintenance, cleaning, food preparation & distribution, and feeding.
* Plan and order animal food deliveries, ensuring correct quantities and types are provided and stored correctly.
* Maintain the section and animal accommodation in a clean, safe & tidy condition.
* Liaise with the vet regarding animal health issues, following instructions for medication and care.
* Dose animal medication as per vet's instructions.
* Maintain documentation relating to welfare standards.
* Monitor diets against the condition of animals and life stages.
* Responsible for daily record keeping and preparing all relevant documentation related to animal welfare and husbandry.
* Identify potential routine/behaviour problems and implement solutions.
* Conduct protected contact training using positive reinforcement.
* Muck out enclosures and animal buildings, maintaining high standards.
* Assist with the department’s programme of enrichment.
* Promote a positive attitude within your team.
The successful candidate must deliver an excellent level of animal husbandry and welfare. They must have keen observation skills, be self-motivated, and capable of independent work while being comfortable working within a team. A proactive and hands-on approach is essential, including some groundwork and maintenance, with an eye for detail.
Weekend, bank holiday working, and flexibility in working hours are essential. Some evening work will be required during special events throughout the year. Ensuring the safety of our visitors, staff, and animals is of key importance, with adherence to health & safety protocols at all times.
Minimum Requirements:
* Animal care experience in a similar setting – minimum 2 years.
* Animal-related qualification to HND level or above.
* Demonstrable experience of providing species-appropriate environments and enrichment.
* Demonstrable operant conditioning experience.
* Physically fit and hardworking.
* Excellent observational skills.
* Self-motivated and proactive.
* Experience following safe working protocols.
* A current full driving licence.
* Experience working with Large Mammal and ungulate species.
* The zoo animal management qualification (DMZAA).
* Experience implementing training programmes, focusing on stereotypic behaviours.
* Experience operating heavy plant and undertaking maintenance.
Apply for this job:
Selection Process: We will review candidates on a rolling basis and contact shortlisted candidates directly. Interviews will be held in February 2025, with the first round possibly being virtual, followed by a trial day on site for shortlisted candidates.
Please apply via our Career Site using the following link.
BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will receive a response when we are next in the office.
If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602.
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783. Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland).
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