Deputy Head of Section - Animal Encounters
Woburn Safari Park
Bedfordshire Closing date for applications is: 30th Mar 2025| Contact: | Kara Ward ([email protected]) |
| Sector: | Animal Care |
| Type: | Paid |
| Contract type: | Full-time |
| Salary: | Competitive |
The Animal Department is currently recruiting for an experienced organised, dedicated, reliable, confident team manager to join the Animal Encounters section.
The Animal Encounters section encompasses a diverse range of species found in the “foot safari” area of Woburn Safari Park, including raptors, psittacines, small mammals, birds, marine mammals, primates, hoof stock, reptiles and invertebrates.
As Deputy Head of section, you will directly line-manage all non-permanent members of staff including seasonals, interns and work experience. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with the Head of Section on new developments and the collection plan of this diverse department.
The successful applicant will need to be:
- Able to manage and motivate a large, diverse animal keeping team
- A highly motivated, hard-working individual who has a good understanding of behavioural welfare and previous experience training and working with a variety of species.
- Able to take part in public presentations as well as demonstrating exceptional animal husbandry skills, high standards of animal care and excellent communication skills.
The successful applicant should demonstrate:
- Considerable supervisory or staff management experience in a similar environment
- A passion for Animal Welfare & Conservation; be highly motivated, flexible and committed to Woburn Safari Park’s high standards of husbandry and welfare.
- Previous practical experience of working with a range of species (hands on experience with the species we hold is preferable however those candidates with comparable experience will be considered)
- Strong animal training experience preferably in public demonstration settings
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- An excellent understanding of health and safety in a zoological setting
- An organised approach to managing animal records, reporting systems and proposals to improve the section in line with our brand values
- A working knowledge of animal transfer and ZIMs
- A good working knowledge of zoo licence
- They hold either the DMZAA, Keeper & Aquarist Apprenticeship or equivalent degree.
A full, valid driving licence is essential for this role.
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