Zoo Registrar And Curatorial Data Assistant - Req24670

Job title:Zoo Registrar and Curatorial data Assistant 

Salary: £32,076 - £33,945

Hours: 37 

Contract: Maternity Cover      

Location: Lotherton Wildlife World

 As the zoo Registrar and Curatorial Data Assistant you will have the chance to help shape the future of Lotherton wildlife World, working with the zoo management and animal team to promote a high level of animal husbandry and welfare. We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team. The Zoo Registrar and Curatorial Data Assistant will play a crucial role in managing the documentation and records related to our animal collection, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating research and conservation efforts.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As the Zoo Registrar and Curatorial Data Assistant, you will bring to the role:

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and to prioritise own work and competing priorities
• Good communication skills - liaising with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Be proficient in advanced ZIMS use, including animal transactions and data management
• A Knowledge of modern zoo practice

About the role 

This role will be a member of the animal management team, assisting in the development and implementation of the zoo's species planning, collections plans and policy and conservation plans.

This post is responsible for managing the zoo’s animal records and related policies, for validating the quality of recorded data, and ensuring the legal compliance of all animal transactions. The role will also ensure compliance with the zoo licence and to manage the contribution to global zoo/conservation data.

The Registrar will serve as liaison to relevant government agencies, other zoological institutions and conservation organizations, including zoological and/or aquarium accrediting bodies (i.e. British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums [BIAZA]), regarding animal records and conservation data. 

You will need to demonstrate a fine attention to detail, have excellent IT skills, be up to date with all relevant zoo current best practice and have a wide understanding of conservation projects and zoo licensing.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. 

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Daniel Messer, Zoo Manager email: Daniel.messer@leeds.gov.uk 

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
 
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job purpose 

To manage the zoo’s animal records and related policies, validating the quality of recorded data, and ensuring the legal compliance of all animal transactions. To ensure compliance with the zoo licence and to manage a contribution to global zoo/conservation data.

The Registrar will serve as liaison to relevant government agencies, other zoological institutions and conservation organizations, including zoological and/or aquarium accrediting bodies (i.e. British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums [BIAZA]), regarding animal records and conservation data. 

The Registrar serves as a member of the animal management team, to assist in the development and implementation of the zoo's species planning, collections plans and policy and conservation plans.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for transactional animal data, recording births, deaths, transfers into and out of the collection and group management, ensuring all are reflected in our animal records software (ZIMS). 
• Responsible for the accuracy of the animal data both through data entry and data monitoring, ensuring all relevant animal data is captured and recorded.
• Responsible for the training and evaluation in animal data management of zoo staff. 
• Responsible for key legislative data compliance requirements. 
• Responsible for assisting the Zoo Manager with data related responsibilities, such as EAZA Ex-situ Programmes (EEPs), Conservation Programmes and other activities where relevant 
• To fulfil duties in line with the Parks and Green Space Strategy and related strategies and service objectives and in support of the aims of the Vision for Leeds and Council Business Plan 
• To undertake other duties as may be required from time to time 
• Willing to take personal responsibility and abide by the Council’s Health and Safety Policy 
• Willing to abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council 
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or suitable period of relevant experience

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and to prioritise own work and competing priorities.
• Good communication skills - liaising with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead staff training sessions.
• Ability to present data and text in a form suitable for the return of animal and conservation reports. 
• Careful attention to detail.
• Proficient in advanced ZIMS use, including animal transactions and data management.
• Knowledge of modern zoo practice.

Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics 

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities. 
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade. 
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post.  Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates. 

Skills 

• The ability to produce publishable papers

Knowledge

• Local government decision making processes

Experience

• Zoo conservation planning

Behavioural & other Characteristics 

• Ability to work flexibly