Job opportunities

Senior Animal Carer

Full-time (average 40-hour week, including weekend cover)

·       Carry out animal husbandry routines as instructed

·       Report observed welfare, behavioural or veterinary concerns promptly to Animal Manager/Deputy Animal Manager

·       Undertake and record animal observations as set out in record keeping policy

·       Participate in animal management operations and veterinary intervention as required and to comply with medical treatment programmes

·       Provide animal training & enrichment in line with agreed protocol

·       Prepare and present diets in line with agreed diet sheets

·       Help to supervise animal carers, work experience students, interns and volunteers – report any issues to Deputy/Head of animal department

·       In charge of department in head and deputies’ absence

·       To keep exhibits and surrounding areas maintained to a very high standard of presentation, hygiene and tidiness

·       To report any maintenance or wear and tear to Animal Manager

·       To assist where instructed with pest control

·       Assist in department projects as required

·       Ensure you have a good working knowledge of the conservation work undertaken by the Trust and provide advice and expertise when requested on projects supported by The Wildheart Trust.

·       Undertake unique animal experiences with visitors ensuring that they receive a once-in-a-lifetime encounter whilst adhering to sanctuary guidelines ensuring the safety of participants.

·       Design and implement informal talks and encounters, training other staff on their delivery.  Overseeing these experiences and evaluating their efficacy

·       Use equipment such as radio, tools, power equipment, scanners, capture and transport equipment.  The equipment must be used and stored with due care and attention

·       Prepare for and attend regular departmental meetings / undertake agreed actions

·       Prepare regular reports for discussion in section or departmental meetings

·       Ensure animal records are maintained as per sanctuary protocol

·       Help maintain the record keeping system (ZIMS) and ensure animal carer’s record keeping is kept to a high standard

·       Attend regular firearms training

·       Attend formal and informal training as required. Identify additional training with the supervisor for professional development

·       To comply with all health and safety requirements as per the Health and Safety Manual.

·       Participate in animal escape drills and be aware of emergency response procedure

·       To monitor health and safety on section and assist with staff training, ensuring necessary documentation is filled out and up to date

·       Participate in education, media and marketing initiatives as required

·       Engage with visitors informally during course of duties

·       Engage with visitors formally through talks promoting The Wildheart Trust’s conservation aims and insights into the sanctuary’s animal collection.

·       Help prepare for zoo licence and BALAI inspections.

·       Learn and maintain understanding of departmental and other relevant sanctuary policies

 

Must have Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (Sparsholt College) or equivalent

Preferred experience with big cats, bears, primates, small mammals and reptiles

Minimum 2 Years at a Zoological Collection working with a range of species

Full UK Driving License