Zoo Keeper

Section Leader: Reptiles, Lower Vertebrates & Invertebrates (LVI)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for someone to join our LVI Team as Section Leader, taking responsibility for a range of snakes, lizards, chelonians, fish, crocodilian and invertebrates, as well as supervising and developing the sections staff & volunteers. Our Amazon & Beyond building provides one of the best large snake exhibits in the world, so this really is an opportunity not to miss!

Our Section Leaders are part of the senior animal park team here at PWP and are responsible for overseeing the day to day running of their section, helping achieve the short and long-term objectives of ZSH. This includes planning and contributing practically to husbandry and welfare routines, getting involved in ZSH’s visitor education programmes & experiences and managing the Keeper Team, volunteers, and work-experience students working on section.

The successful applicant will take an active LVI Keeper role, including full husbandry duties (such as general enclosure care, food provision, training and enrichment). Responsible for the welfare of the animals, the day to day running of the section and the supervision and development of staff, this is a diverse role requiring excellent organisation and communication skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure and a natural ability to motivate and inspire others.

The successful applicant must have a minimum of five years’ experience working within a zoo environment. Experience working with relevant species is also essential.

Job Details:

• Full time, permanent position; 08.00-17.00 April-Sept, 08.00-16.30 Oct-March (includes weekend and bank holiday work) with some overtime available for evening work and events

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Oversee, coordinate and contribute to the care and welfare of the animals on section; ensuring daily security checks, husbandry routines, welfare audits, approved veterinary care etc is undertaken

• Maintain an expert knowledge of industry species-specific working practices/guidelines and legislation, ethics, animal welfare policies and contribute to Zoo License inspections and other audits

• Ensure delivery of high standards of visitor interaction (Keeper Talks, Experiences & Education Events)

• Provide practical & theoretical training for the team, leading and developing them to their full potential using a variety of techniques and methods (formal/informal training, coaching, team building etc.)

Job Requirements (Essential):

• Proven experience (5+ years) in the care and management of a variety of relevant species

• Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquaria Animals (DMZAA) or equivalent

• Physically fit for the demands of the role

• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle (as the site is not accessible by public transport)

• In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application (documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process)

Job Requirements (Desirable)

• Experience of working with venomous herptiles

• Experience working with life support systems

• Experience of supervising/leading a team

• Qualification in Leadership/Management skills

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £24,000.00-£26,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Wellness programme

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Broxbourne, EN10 7QA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Do you have the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquaria Animals (DMZAA) or an equivalent qualification?

Experience:

• ZooKeeper: 5 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 07/04/2023
Reference ID: LVI Section Leader