World Parrot Trust - The Kiwa Centre
Berkshire
Closing date for applications is: 14th Feb 2024
Job Overview: The World Parrot Trust are seeking a dedicated Parrot Keeper and Engagement Specialist to oversee the daily husbandry and care of a diverse collection of parrots at our dedicated welfare base. This position involves providing enriching environments, working on conservation projects, training parrots, maintaining facilities, coordinating with veterinary professionals, managing records, facilitating training sessions, and staying on top of the best animal welfare standards and practices. The ideal candidate will be passionate about caring for parrots, possess strong bird care skills, and exhibit a passion for conservation efforts aligned with the objectives of the World Parrot Trust.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Daily Husbandry and Care: Ensure the well-being and health of the parrots through attentive husbandry practices, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring behavioural cues.
2. Enrichment and Training: Implement an enrichment schedule to stimulate natural behaviors and cognitive abilities of the birds. Conduct regular positive reinforcement training sessions to promote mental and physical engagement in addition to enhancing trained behaviours for health checks and movement of birds.
3. Natural Enrichment Cultivation: Maintain and expand sources of natural enrichment on-site, creating a stimulating environment for the parrots.
4. Education, Outreach and Fundraising: Be a passionate advocate for parrots, using outreach opportunities to build public support and awareness. Conduct visits with other organisations, zoos and schools to talk about the work WPT, spread awareness and engage the public in our mission. Build educational opportunities and share enthusiasm for protecting parrots, their conservation, and welfare with visiting members of the public and through online channels.
5. Developing Free-Flight Abilities: Utilise positive reinforcement training to train selected parrots at the centre to fly freely for education and outreach initiatives.
6. Facility Maintenance: Oversee the care and maintenance of the facility's structure and infrastructure.
7. Veterinary Liaison: Collaborate with veterinary professionals to address health concerns, administer treatments, and ensure the overall well-being of the parrots.
8. Coordinating Volunteers: Work with other team members to coordinate tasks and optimise experiences for our volunteer workforce.
9. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and comprehensive records using ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System).
10. Supply Management: Proactively order supplies and resources necessary for the smooth operation of the collection.
11. Pest Management: Implement pest management strategies while upholding humane treatment standards.
12. Continuous Learning: Stay informed about current industry resources, research findings, and best practices related to animal welfare.
13. Collaboration and Expansion: Work closely with the Special Projects Manager to coordinate conservation initiatives.
Join Us: If you are passionate about avian conservation and dedicated to providing exceptional care for parrots, we invite you to apply for our team. We highly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
What do we offer?
1. Diverse Working Opportunities: Collaborate with colleagues passionate about international conservation.
2. Pension Scheme: Enjoy the security of our pension scheme with up to a 3% contributory pension.
3. Flexible Working: We offer flexible working arrangements.
4. Holiday Allowance: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (pro rata) per year.
5. Continued Professional Development: Access ongoing learning and growth opportunities.
Job Specification:
1. Previous practical experience working with parrots or exotic birds in a zoo, sanctuary, or similar setting (essential).
2. Strong verbal and written communication skills (advantageous).
3. Proficiency in animal husbandry practices, enrichment techniques, and positive reinforcement training.
4. Commitment to animal welfare principles and conservation ethics.
5. Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as required.
6. Have a full, clean manual driving license.
About Us: The World Parrot Trust (WPT) is an international leader in parrot conservation and welfare efforts.
Apply for this job:
To apply for the position, please submit your CV along with a covering letter to our Special Projects Manager, Charlotte Foxhall, at charlotte@parrots.org.
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