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Form of work
SalaryZookeeper Temp Contract (37 hours per week)
Temporary contract
Start: 14 March to 30 April 2024 (possible extension)
Main purpose of job
To be responsible to the Curator or other responsible officer to undertake, either individually or as part of a team, the feeding, cleaning and general welfare of animals and the maintenance and security of enclosures at the Zoological Gardens.
To be responsible for interacting with visitors and other Zoo users through presentations, tours, talks and events as required.
Summary of responsibilities and personal duties
1.To be responsible for the general welfare and husbandry of Zoo animals including the cleaning and inherent safety of enclosures, the preparation and storage of animal food and the feeding of animals.
2.To supervise and be responsible for the work of volunteers, students, researchers, and invited guests or interested parties working, helping and refurbishing etc. all enclosures within the immediate area of animals.
3.To train and be trained in all aspects of animal husbandry.
4.To keep a varied, detailed and complete record of all animals within a given remit including but not limited to daily report sheets, quarantine records and veterinary records.
5.To supervise and be responsible for patrolling the Zoo as required and the direction and diplomatic control of visitors on a daily basis including the use of appropriate measures to deal with unforeseen situations.
6.To communicate orally and in writing on a range of Zoo issues to a range of Zoo stakeholders including veterinary care, the Police Service for Northern Ireland (PSNI), public relations, interest groups, senior managers and at special events.
7.To organise, implement, maintain and control many varied interactive, fundraising and hospitality events involving the public and any other interested parties.
8.To be responsible for using and maintaining a variety of machinery and equipment.
9.To use and apply all appropriate chemicals and related substances in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and CoSHH or other relevant health and safety regulations.
10.To implement all relevant Belfast City Council and Zoo health and safety policies and procedures including various daily checks (including dangerous animals, escape and lost children); and acting as a keyholder for all animal enclosures and public areas.
11.To liaise with external contractors working in the Zoo over working arrangements, timing and nature of work to be done in and around animal enclosures.
12.To carry out minor repairs and maintenance on animal enclosures as required until full remedial or other appropriate action can be taken.
13.To maintain the cleanliness and general safety of the areas around animal enclosures through litter picking and associated activities.
14.To administer and maintain a working knowledge of appropriate and relevant drugs and medication for the treatment of animals under suitable veterinary guidance.
Essential criteria
Experience
(a)Applicants must, be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples, at least one year’s relevant zoo keeping experience.
This post requires a lot of heavy lifting and walking. Shifts which include weekends & bank holiday working
Special skills and attributes
Applicants must be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they possess the following special skills and attributes which may be tested at interview:
Technical knowledge
An understanding of the role of a zookeeper and the role of the modern zoo.
Customer care skills
Good inter-personal skills with an awareness of the importance of customer care.
Supervisory skills
The ability to supervise and be responsible for the work of volunteers, students, researchers etc.
Full Job Description available
Short-listing criteriaIn addition to the above experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants who, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:
·in the first instance, can demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least two years’ relevant zoo keeping experience; and
·in the second instance, have a relevant qualification in an animal discipline such as the City and Guilds Zoo Animal Management Certificate, Advanced National Certificate in Zoo Animal Management, Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals, or equivalent qualification.
Other Information:
Location: Antrim Road Belfast
Hours: 37hrs per week 08:00 – 17:00
Salary: £12.93 per hour plus accrued holiday pay
Closing Date: 10 3.24 @4.00pm
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided and we will be in touch.
Task Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
