Larchwood Wildlife & Conservation Centre
South East (Buckinghamshire)
Closing date for applications is: 11th Mar 2024
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the position of Animal Team Leader at the newly formed Larchwood Wildlife & Conservation Centre (LWCC). We are not open to the public, so your core responsibilities will be leading a small team in delivering high standards of animal care and husbandry.
This post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a diverse range of mammal and bird species, a number of which are uncommon in UK zoos.
Working with the Animal Manager, the Animal Team Leader will be responsible for, but not limited to, the oversight of all the animals on the LWCC site. The role is responsible for growing and developing the husbandry needs for the collection and maintaining appropriate facilities and enclosures. This role sits between the keepers and the animal manager and acts as the daily operational lead for the collection. The role will oversee a small team of keepers and animal care assistants, providing guidance and training, supporting the animal manager with appraisals and rotas as well as maintaining the highest levels of animal husbandry.
General Responsibilities
1. To assist the animal manager in maintaining the highest standards of animal care and welfare within the animal collection.
2. To care for, clean, maintain exhibits for a range of species within the collection as required; taking an active lead in the day-to-day operation.
3. To develop and implement suitable enrichment and training programs.
4. To assist the animal manager in developing and implementing animal diets.
5. To report faults and maintenance issues within the assigned facilities.
6. To ensure health and safety procedures are being followed and identify areas for improvements.
7. To order diets, supplies and tools as required.
8. To liaise with and support veterinary professionals as appropriate.
9. To support the animal manager in fulfilling all legislative requirements for the collection.
10. To provide additional animal care and support activities beyond the normal routine.
11. To undertake such duties as reasonably fall within the purview of the post.
Management Responsibilities
1. To deputise for the animal manager as necessary including some on-call responsibility.
2. To supervise and train staff assigned to you, support the animal manager in the creation of rotas, holidays and managing staff sickness.
3. Take part in 1-1 meetings, appraisals and disciplinary procedures.
4. To ensure good communication lines with managers, directors and owners.
Knowledge, Skill and Ability
1. Minimum of 3 years in a senior or manager level role in an animal collection with experience supervising a small team.
2. Proven experience working with a large range of bird and mammal species.
3. Proven experience working with category one/DWA species would be advantageous.
4. Experience with animal training, hand rearing and animal handling would be advantageous.
5. Experience with life support systems and pest management.
6. Use of ZIMS (or an enthusiasm to learn) and excel.
7. The post holder must be a team player and be able to work unsupervised in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Working Hours
40 hours a week, although you may be required to work additional hours to fulfil the needs of the role. Weekends are worked on a rota basis.
Location
Burnham, South Buckinghamshire.
Apply for this job:
If you think you might be the person we are looking for, please submit your C.V including a covering letter, a minimum of two references (including your most recent employer) and information you feel relevant to your application. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible as interviewing will commence before the closing date.
#J-18808-Ljbffr