Animal Manager - New Forest Wildlife Park
- wildprofessionalsu
- Oct 4, 2024
- 6 min read
Job Title
Animal Manager
Wage/Salary (£/$/€)
£27,000- £30,000 dependent on experience
Closing date for applications:
31-Oct-2024
Collection Name
New Forest Wildlife Park
Website
Work Address
Deerleap Ln, Southampton SO40 4UH, UK
About the collection
UK and European native species collection with the addition of the world's largest and most diverse collection of otter species. We are a family run business established for over 25 years. A small but very dedicated and proactive team of keepers. we specialise in native European species and are currently expanding and upgrading the collection. Set in 50 acres of ancient New forest woodland and adjoining the stunning new forest National Park. 15 minutes from Southampton and close to some stunning coastlines.
Job Description
Overview of Role: We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and dynamic animal manager to help manage the collection and run the keeper team. The successful candidate will be expected to ensure high standards of animal welfare, animal husbandry and keep daily checks and records of animals within all sections (knowledge of ZIMS is an advantage). Training, supervising, and working closely with the small team of keeping staff as well as working closely with the General Manager and Curator to move forward as we upgrade and improve the animal collection. Working hours are 40hrs per week, worked within a roster which includes regular weekends and bank holidays, so flexibility regarding hours is crucial. The role is physically demanding, and our site is mainly outdoors, so ability to deal with all weathers essential. Applicants must have a passion for working with a variety of animals within a zoo environment however experience with native species and addition exotics knowledge would be an advantage. Good communication skills and experience of dealing with the public is essential, together with the ability to work effectively within a small and self-reliant team. Large DWA Cat 1 experience essential. Wolves, bears wolverine for example would be advantageous A minimum of three years paid employment within a zoological related management/supervisory/ senior/ team leader position required.
Main Duties:
• managing the keeping team in regard to cleaning of all areas within the zoo and being included in performing these duties.
• managing enclosure/paddock servicing, maintenance, and refurbishment. A basic use of hand tools and equipment would be an advantage.
• Continual review and updating of all approved diets, nutrition, and enrichment.
• Managing the supervision of correct feeding procedures where this is deemed appropriate for each species and working with curator and keepers to ensure all husbandry, welfare, veterinary care, and dietary needs are met for the specific species we house.
• Ensuring that all safety and emergency procedures are always implemented/followed.
• Liaising with the curator regarding the movement and/or training of animals, “keeper talks” etc.
• Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors. Dealing with customer requests and information.
• Reporting defects and repairs required to the maintenance department.
• Assisting in various projects related to animal management as directed by senior animal management staff.
• Reporting directly to our company vet regarding any medical or veterinary issues or concerns as they become apparent.
• Feed stock taking and ordering.
• Compliance with all staff health and safety, written working protocols, staff training and personal CPD.
• Basic knowledge of U.K. Zoo licensing requirements, APHA legislation, Natural England legislation, animal transfers/ transportation, wildlife rehabilitation techniques for U.K. species would be an advantage.
• The ability to manage effectively, efficiently, and fairly a small team of highly motivated friendly keeping staff.
• You will be fully supported by the curator and senior management team.
Person Specification:
• Practical experience of animal management with a range of domestic and exotic species. • Broad taxonomic knowledge on a range of species managed within zoological collections. Advantage would be carnivore/mustelid/ungulate and strigiform husbandry.
• 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.
• Knowledge of techniques used to handle specific animals should catch ups or veterinary procedures require this.
• Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department without always waiting to be asked.
• Keeper experiences are an essential part of our business, we are very customer focused so please make sure you are.
• Academic qualifications will be taken into consideration for this position, but previous experience, attitude and knowledge and experience within the industry are key considerations.
Please note*
• A full clean manual driving licence is required.
• Accommodation will not be provided on site.
• Public transport is not an option for those seeking this position.
• We do not hold telephone or Skype interviews; all interviews will be held at the park.
• Our park is set in the New Forest National Park, this role, although within a small collection in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, is physically demanding and requires the ability to think on ones’ own and adjust to a fast changing, flexible work environment.
To Apply: Applicants will need to contact Jason Palmer at the email address below, an application form will then be sent out. Please return your CV, application form and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability etc), to jason@newforestwildlifepark.co.uk Interviews will be held at the park on a full day trial basis with a more formal interview during the day.
Current Employee Testimonial
Shanna, zookeeper with us for over 20 years: The New Forest Wildlife Park is not just a spectacular location to work in every day, set in the enchanting ancient woodland; it is also host to an incredible array of iconic species with from our smallest Harvest Mice, to Otter species from around the World, many species of mustelid, Lynx and Wolves... to our largest European Bison! Working alongside a wonderful team at NFWP with a small, highly dedicated, knowledgeable, friendly team of Keepers!
Lizzy, Senior Keeper: I have worked at the New Forest Wildlife Park for over three years now, during these years I have found the company extremely enjoyable to work for. As an employee I am given many opportunities to learn and grow within a supportive environment created by management. The park itself is beautifully set within the forest, creating a peaceful and appealing workplace where there is a range of incredible species within the collection to work with. Ali, keeper for over 20 years: working at the new forest wildlife park. I have worked here for many, many years. Working here is just so rewarding. it's a small team who all support each other. we work hard as a team and yes winter it's a hard slog some days but always smiles and laughs. It's a beautiful place to work and as an employee you can have your say and be counted. every day is different, and you can be a part of all the animal's care. No 'I' in team here ... It really is very unique, and you can be you ...
Working Hours
08:00am-5:00pm winter- 8:30am-5:30pm summer
Job Type
Full time
The candidate will be expected to work on:
Bank Holidays, Public Holidays
CPD Opportunities
very much encouraged, ABWAK membership paid for after probation. All health and safety and work based CPD is online and encouraged. personal projects and species of interest are also encouraged. access to workshops and courses run through ABWAK/ BIAZA and other organisations.
Staff Benefits
flexible rota. Working with a good, solid, fun and cohesive team. Out of work socials are encouraged. 28 days holiday. Personal growth and key species projects encouraged and supported if relevant to species held or within the remit of the park
Accomadation Options
Close to Southampton which has affordable rentals available. the area also has a large rental market and is close enough to Winchester, Salisbury, Romsey, Hythe etc
More information
We are fairly remote so a car would be required as nearest station is 2 miles away, although cycling from a forest location of accommodation is possible.
Interviews will be held from:
01-Nov-2024
Zoom/Skype Interview Available
No
Cover Letter Required?
Yes
Interview Requirements
full day hybrid interview, partly spent in the park with the keeper team and part more formal sit down interview
Contact
Jason Palmer
Position
Curator
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