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.

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.

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.