Seasonal Animal Keeper

Country UK City London Category Animal - Zoology Closing Date 07/05/2023 Level Seasonal Position Type Full-Time / Seasonal Advertised Salary £10.50 per hour Enhancements London Weighting, Weekend Enhancement Overview The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity, driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and every role, every person in every corner of ZSL has one thing in common – we are all conservationists, and passionate about restoring wildlife. Role Profile An exciting opportunity has arisen at ZSL and we are looking to recruit a full-time Seasonal Animal Keeper on the Small Mammal department at ZSL London Zoo. The role will involve the responsibility for visitor engagement and general animal keeping duties under the intruction of Keepers. You will be working alongside species including Lemurs, Callitrichids, Wallabies, Coatis, Bushbabies, Loris, and Meerkats. Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assisting with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
• Be the point of contact in case of an incident involving a visitor and an animal and advise visitors of correct course of action.
• Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.
• Observing the behaviour, health and security of animals and reporting any problems to the Team Leader or senior staff.
• Assisting with record keeping via a Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), including personal relevant observations of animal behaviour, health and welfare.
• Supporting positive visitor experiences by good customer service and professional visitor engagement

Person Specification Qualifications & Experience

• Practical experience of working with section specific animals.

Knowledge

• Broad taxonomic knowledge on a range of species managed within zoological collections.
• Willingness to work on and learn about evolving husbandry management within zoological collections to include positive re-enforcement training for behavioural management and varied methods of enrichment for a range of species.
• Ability to learn and an appreciation for life support systems, temperature ranges and UK requirements for specific species.
• Ability to learn and an appreciation for techniques used to handle specific animals should catch ups or veterinary procedures require this.
• An understanding or a willingness to learn about the conservation, research and educational role of ex situ populations.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department without always waiting to be asked.
• Ability to clearly follow instructions on tasks requested to be carried out by the section manager.
• Working with animals requires detailed levels of concentration on both noting animal behaviour and changes to behaviour as well security (e.g. remembering to lock doors and close slides). The ability to tell others of your need to concentrate at specific times if disrupted.
• An ability to deliver keeper talks and presentations.

Interpersonal Skills

• An ability to work as part of a team as well as an individual to complete section tasks.
• Effective communication across all levels of the society. An ability to engage with colleagues across all departments as well as visitors in a polite and helpful manner.
• Capable of supporting volunteers as requested.
• A presentable appearance through following uniform and clothing policy.

Other Requirements

• Dependant on section either working indoors in artificially high &/or humid conditions or extensive outside working with direct exposure to the weather

What do we offer?

You will have access to a blended program of Wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program as well as regular webinars and activities around mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. The opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to improving diversity and inclusion.

Other benefits include 25 days holiday, life assurance, stakeholder pension (ZSL will also match further contributions you may choose to make up to a further 5% - limited to 12% employer contributions), complimentary zoo tickets with a 30% discount in shops and online, subsidised canteen, enhanced paternity and maternity leave, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership and access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

Ultimately, you’ll know that you’ll help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.

To Apply Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) on Sunday 7th May 2023

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.