Job opportunities

BIAZA ABTWG Reptile Liaison Officer

CONTEXT:

This is an unpaid post for which you must have institutional support and your collection must be a BIAZA member. The post is within ABTWG which is part of The British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquaria’s (BIAZA) Species Advisory Committee (SAC). As Reptile and Amphibian Liaison Officer, you will report to the Co-Chairs and Vice-chair of ABTWG.

The Reptile and Amphibian Liaison Officer is a voluntary role within the ABTWG designed to strengthen the link between Reptile and Amphibian Working Group (RAWG) and the ABTWG and promoting species appropriate enrichment practices and practical animal training approaches within the zoo community. The primary focus is on supporting evidence-based behaviour management to enhance animal welfare and ensure compliance with UK zoo standards, including BIAZA guidelines, the Zoo licencing Act and the new SSMZP. The role also contributes to broader zoo initiatives by promoting best practice and collaboration across collections.

ROLE SUMMARY:

• Attend and participating in meetings for both the ABTWG and RAWG (usually 2-3 times per year online and 1 per year in person per working group).
• Support the ABTWG and act as a link between them and RAWG, passing relevant notes/ minutes between the 2 working groups.
• Assist in creating and sharing resources including with the delivery of webinars and workshops.
• To assist, when requested, in dealing with all general enquiries, administration and paperwork relating to the working group in a timely, professional and organized manner.
• Contributing to comms and resources when appropriate, for dissemination through existing communication channels e.g. BIAZA Bitesize, BIAZA Blog and social media.
• Liaising with the BIAZA Committees where necessary.
• Working with the co-chairs and vice chairs on ideas and plans for the future direction & development of the ABTWG.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Proactive individual who is keen to assist on developing ideas and plans for the future direction & development of the working group.
• Awareness of current zoo regulations.
• Proficiency in using literature databases and tools.
• Effectively and efficiently work as an individual and within a team.
• Strong interest in enrichment as well as training.

DESIRABLE:

• BIAZA Animal Training Accreditation holder or strong interest in enrolling.