TEAM MANAGER – RHINOS

 Chester Zoo is the UK’s No.1 top zoo, and one of the leading zoological collections in Europe, with an international reputation for achieving its mission in conservation breeding programmes, research and education.  With the new ‘Islands’ site under construction, due to open in the spring, 2015 is set to be an exciting year! 

We currently have a vacancy for a Team Manager to join our Rhino team. The post will involve the daily management of the section along with mentoring, training and developing the team.

We are looking for someone with extensive knowledge and expertise in animal husbandry and management with a focus on two species of rhinoceros and hoof stock including several deer and antelope species.  In addition to having previous experience of working within a zoo environment, applicants will also have animal conservation experience and an understanding of environmental issues.

Chester Zoo aims to set a benchmark for animal welfare and the successful candidate must have a proactive approach to developing new ideas for improving husbandry. Building strong working relationships within the team and with other departments, the Team Manager will ensure delivery of an excellent level of animal husbandry and care.

The successful candidate will be educated to a minimum of HND or degree level in Zoo Animal Management/Zoological Science, or have equivalent experience.  They will have considerable leadership experience, experience of supervising a team and be able to organise and prioritise tasks in a dynamic environment.

A proven understanding of risk assessments and COSHH is essential for this role to ensure all staff members are fully aware of safety and management procedures.

This role will also involve representing the Rhino team at internal and external meetings, workshops and conferences in the UK and overseas.  Therefore, excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.  Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages (including an understanding of ZIMS/SPARKS) would be advantageous for this role and a full clean UK driving licence is also a requirement.

Salary is £30,227 per annum for a 40 hour week (including some weekends and bank holidays).

To apply: please contact the recruitment line on recruitment@chesterzoo.org or 01244 389477.

Closing date for applications is 31^st January, 2015.

Experienced Big Cat Caretaker

                            Experienced Big Cat Caretaker

AAP Primadomus – Rescue centre for Exotic Mammals

The work and goals of AAP are to improve, in a professional manner, the welfare of abused or neglected primates and small to medium sized exotic mammals from all over Europe. This is achieved by providing shelter for animals from the illegal trade, circuses or private individuals. For most of the animals we find suitable homes worldwide in reserves, zoos, or in our own permanent shelter.

AAP is also actively and strategically involved in animal welfare issues by influencing European policy and decision-makers in this field and working together with professional groups at home and abroad. Furthermore, AAP is an international authoritative knowledge centre.

AAP carries out this work from their 2 locations, one located in Almere (The Netherlands) and one in Villena (Alicante, Spain).  In total, we employ about  90 paid staff and more than 150 volunteers. The Spanish department is AAP Primadomus and is located at the foot of the Sierra de Salinas, one of the most important natural protected environments of Villena. AAP distinguishes itself by having an enormous passion and a professional, open culture. Our core values, accessibility, dedication and inventiveness form important guidelines of our culture. In  April 2015 AAP Primadomus will start rescuing Big Cats. We are looking for;

Experienced Big Cat Caretaker m/f
(40 hours per week, starting March 2015)

Your role
As an experienced caretaker you are responsible for the daily care of the big cats rescued and housed in our centre. The practical work for a large part will consist of cleaning, feeding, observing, providing behavioural enrichment, assisting the work of our veterinarian during regular medical checks, animal trainings and assisting in the rehabilitation of the big cats. You will be part of a team of experienced caretakers working according to standard procedures and a hands-off policy. You will direct and guide other less experienced caretakers and number of trainees and (foreign) volunteers, undertake a number of administrative tasks and be flexible enough to work Saturdays or Sundays. The department’s team leader will direct you.

Requirements

·        Affinity with the ideals and goals of AAP

·        Minimum of 3 years of experience with the husbandry of  big cat

·        Preferably experience with big cat positive reinforcement training

·        Preferably experience with the rehabilitation of big cats and social introductions

·        Capable of writing and implement working instructions and procedures

·        In good physical shape and able to handle  stress

·        Capable of working independently but also as a team player

·        Takes the initiative

·        Prepared to share knowledge and information 

·        Competent in both oral and written English

·        Is adaptable to live in a remote place and a driving licence is acquired.

·        Capable of working with relevant computer programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)

We offer
We are offering you a very challenging job with a lot of responsibility in an open, professional and international organisation with animals and people at its heart, located in a natural environment. The commencing salary is € 1.348 gross per month (x 14 payments).

Want to know more or apply right away?
For further information send an email to Olga Bellon, olga.bellon@aap.nl, mobile +34 661 877 595– Team Leader AAP Primadomus 

Send your application letter and CV before 31^th December 2014, mentioning number 2014-14-PREDV, preferably by e-mail to working.at@aap.nl, or by mail to Stichting AAP, Kemphaanpad 1, Postbus 50313, 1305 AH Almere, Attn. Elly Koppers, Personnel Coordinator.

A practical assignment is part of the application process.

CONSERVATION COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

CONSERVATION COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Full Time, permanent (35 hours per week)

Chester Zoo is the UK’s No.1 top zoo, providing visitors with a fun-packed day out, but with a serious mission - to be a major force in conserving biodiversity worldwide.

To save species from extinction we need dedicated and passionate individuals, and we are recruiting a Conservation Communications Officer to work with like-minded individuals in our Field Programmes Team. You’ll also be working closely with various other zoo teams who contribute to our conservation work and, of course, with our partners overseas.

The job of the Conservation Communications Officer is to spread the word about the huge range of conservation activities the zoo is engaged in, with a particular emphasis on our field work, and generate interest and support for wildlife conservation. This includes working with zoo teams who engage our visitors on-site, who produce our media releases and who manage the Chester Zoo website. Managing the content of the Act For Wildlife website and various associated conservation campaign will also be a large part of the job.

In fact the Conservation Communications Officer will take the lead on the majority of the Field Programme related communications. They will be expected to design, develop and implement effective awareness material, this includes evaluating what we already do, generating awareness, stimulating behaviour change or providing updates to a range of audiences from zoo staff to visitors, the public and peers. This could also include involvement in overseas projects where these communication skills can be put to the test in the field.

The Conservation Communications Officer will need a unique combination of skills – experience and knowledge of biodiversity conservation with experience of producing effective awareness materials to a range of audiences (a minimum of an MSc or equivalent in a conservation or communication related subject with at least one qualification in a biological sciences discipline).

It goes without saying we are looking for someone with excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail and creative flair. The Conservation Communications Officer will also need strong skills in the common computer software packages, excellent oral and written communication skills and exceptional organisational abilities.

This is a full-time position (35 hours per week, Monday-Friday) based at Chester Zoo, with the possibility of some periods overseas and weekend work.

The salary is £21,015 per annum for a 35 hour week.

To apply for this position please email recruitment@chesterzoo.orgwith your current CV and a covering letter stating why you believe you should be considered for the Conservation Communications Officer role by Wednesday, 7^thJanuary 2015.

TEAM LEADER - Rare Species Conservation Centre

TEAM LEADER

Rare Species Conservation Centre has recently embarked on some significant new developments and expansion.
Therefore we are looking for driven, experienced and organised individuals to assist us in our expansion.
RSCC opened in 2006 and is a 8 acre facility specialising in lesser known species in an attractive, friendly and personal setting.
Specialising in Carnivores we are home to many such as Clouded Leopard, Malayan Tiger, Sun Bear, Palawan Bearcat and Fanaloka but many Interesting other non Carnivores like Tarsier, Echidna, Hornbills, Cassowary and many more.

Key Responsibilities
* Leading a small team of Animal Keepers and co ordinating staff training and leading and supervising daily onsite animal staff duties.
* Working directly with Collection Manager and Director
* Stock control of animal collection food supplies and supplementary items.
* Hands on position, also working directly with animals.
* Liasing with Veterinarian and supervision of medical treatments and diets.
* Engaging directly with visitors to the Centre, overseeing visitor programs, giving talks and escorting tours.
* Supervising volunteer and work experience training.
* Supervising the ongoing care & maintenance of the gardens and other landscaping.

Required Skills & Experience
* Minimum of 3 year's experience in a full time supervisory animal keeping or similar type role either in the UK or abroad.
* Must be able to demonstrate an excellent overall knowledge and interest in the key species that RSCC maintains.
* Previous experience working closely with carnivores essential.
* Interest in horticulture preferred.
* Must have exceptional standards of cleanliness and organisation.
* Must have strong leadership skills and be able to keep order even when under pressure.
* Must have excellent communication skills.
* Need to be physically fit.
* A Full UK Driving License or equivalent.
* Ability to use ZIMS comprehensively
* Firearms trained/licensed not essential but highly beneficial
* A recognised animal management or keeping qualification would be advantageous.

Applicants from outside of the UK very welcome to apply.

Full time position, includes weekends and evenings on a rota system.
28 days paid holiday per annum, uniform provided and required.
Salary between £20,000 - £26,000 depending on experience.

Please apply by email with a full CV and covering letter to:   
info@rarespeciesconservationcentre.org

Closing date for applications: December 15th, 2014

Position start date: No later than February 1st, 2014

Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper

Rare Species Conservation Centre has recently embarked on some significant new developments and expansion.
Therefore we are looking for driven, experienced and organised individuals to assist us in our expansion.
RSCC opened in 2006 and is a 8 acre facility specialising in lesser known species in an attractive, friendly and personal setting.
Specialising in Carnivores we are home to many such as Clouded Leopard, Malayan Tiger, Sun Bear, Palawan Bearcat and Fanaloka but many Interesting other non Carnivores like Tarsier, Echidna, Hornbills, Cassowary and many more.

Key Responsibilities
* Hands on position, preparation and distribution of diets, maintaining enclosure cleanliness, enrichment and observation.
* Engaging directly with visitors to the Centre, giving talks and escorting tours.
* Directly working with and supporting the Team Leader.
* Assisting with volunteer and work experience training.

Required Skills & Experience
* Minimum of 3 year's experience in a full time animal keeping role either in the UK or abroad.
* Must be able to demonstrate a good overall knowledge and interest in the key species that you will be working with.
* Must have exceptional standards of cleanliness.
* Must have excellent communication skills.
* Need to be physically fit.
* A Full UK Driving License or equivalent.
* A recognised animal management or keeping qualification would be advantageous.

Applicants from outside of the UK very welcome to apply.

Full time position, includes weekends and evenings on a rota system.
28 days paid holiday per annum, uniform provided and required.
Salary between £16,000 - £19,000 depending on experience.

Please apply by email with a full CV and covering letter to:   
info@rarespeciesconservationcentre.org

Closing date for applications: December 15th, 2014

Position start date: No later than February 1st, 2014

LEAD KEEPER – BIRDS

 

Chester Zoo is one of the leading zoological collections in Europe with an international reputation for achieving its mission in conservation breeding programmes, research and education.

We are currently recruiting for a Lead Keeper on the Bird section. The post will involve assisting the Bird Team Manager in the daily management of the sections along with leading, training and working closely with other team members and interns under the direction of the Team Manager to ensure excellent standards are met. The successful candidate will provide extensive knowledge and proven expertise in bird husbandry and management with a wide variety of species within a zoological environment.

Candidates will have a higher education qualification in a Zoological related science (min HND) or equivalent experience. 

The successful candidate will be able to clearly demonstrate leadership qualities, being an enthusiastic and motivated team player. They will have outstanding observational skills, attention to detail and a proven track record in delivering the highest standards of avian husbandry and exhibitory.  

A thorough knowledge in and understanding of avian conservation practices is essential.

Demonstrable practical experience in training a variety of bird species in a zoo environment is also required.

A good understanding of risk assessments is required. This role may involve representing Chester Zoo and the Bird teams for media interviews and internal and external meetings, workshops and conferences in the UK and overseas. Therefore, excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Applicants should have a full driving licence and be prepared to work weekends and Bank Holidays in a roster system.

Salary is £21,384 per annum for a 40 hour week.

To apply, please contact the recruitment line on recruitment@chesterzoo.org or 01244 389477.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 19^th December 2014.

TRAINEE ANIMAL KEEPER

TRAINEE ANIMAL KEEPER

We are currently looking to recruit a full time, Trainee Animal Keeper. Working 40 hours per week over 5 days, responsibilities will include ensuring high standards of animal welfare, health and animal husbandry at all times and keeping daily checks and records.

The successful candidate will be able to work well as part of a team, have the ability to use their initiative and possess strong verbal communication skills,as talking to members of the publicis an essential part of the role.

Applicants must hold 5 GCSE’s or equivalent and have a demonstrable interest & enthusiasm for animal conservation, management and welfare.

If you would like to join our unique and vibrant organisation and become part of our Marwell Family, view the candidate brief and complete our electronic application form. This application form must be completed for you to be considered for this role.

Closing Date: Friday 12th December 2014

Interview Dates: 17 & 18 December

Successful applicants for vacancies with Marwell Wildlife may be required to have a DBS check as a condition of employment.

Marwell Wildlife is an equal opportunities employer.

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