Job opportunities

BIAZA Reptile and Amphibian Working Group (RAWG) Chair

CONTEXT:

The Reptile and Amphibian Working Group (RAWG) works to promote high standards of reptile and amphibian husbandry across BIAZA members, facilitating networking and training of staff through the provision of resources, ad hoc training workshops and an annual conference each May.

This is a 3-year term and the successful applicant can stand for a second three-year term, after which they must stand down. This is an unpaid voluntary post and you must be currently employed by a BIAZA member zoo or aquarium in order to apply. You must have institutional support to accept the role.

RAWG is one of several taxon working groups within the BIAZA Species Advisory committee (SAC). As RAWG Chair you will therefore also take on a position within the SAC and report to the SAC Chair.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend and lead RAWG in the organisation of meetings (typically 4 meetings per year, 1 in person, 3 online)
• Attend and lead RAWG in the organisation of an annual conference.
• Lead RAWG in dealing with all general enquiries, administration and paperwork relating to the working group in a timely, professional, and organized manner.
• Lead RAWG in developing strategies and initiatives to further the respective aims of the group.
• Attend and participate in SAC meetings (typically 3 meetings each year, 1 in person, 2 online).
• Be aware of developments in good practice in respect of animal welfare and zoo legislation.
• When requested, liaise with the BIAZA Office, and/or SAC on relevant topics and activities.
• Assist in the management of the RAWG Facebook page.
• Through RAWG actively support and aid BIAZA’s education, sustainability, research, conservation committees and the BIAZA Office.
• Assist in the aims of the BIAZA strategy though the 2025 aims of the SAC, including: -

• To assist on developing ideas and plans for the future direction & development of the working group.
• Continue the process of review of existing and development of new husbandry care sheets.
• Support improvements to the BIAZA accreditation process and review relevant guidance (e.g. animal handling) to ensure alignment.
• Support BIAZA members in achieving new requirements of the revised Standards of Modern Zoo Practice as they relate to animal care and welfare, especially around hazardous animal categories.
• Continue to provide regular data and feedback to BIAZA Office to support continued improvement in animal transfer issues.