Address
Form of work
SalaryZookeeper
Temporary contract
Start: 3 March to April 2024 (possible extension)
Mainpurpose of job
Tobe responsible to the Curator or other responsible officer to undertake, eitherindividually or as part of a team, the feeding, cleaning and general welfare ofanimals and the maintenance and security of enclosures at the ZoologicalGardens.
Tobe responsible for interacting with visitors and other Zoo users throughpresentations, tours, talks and events as required.
Summaryof responsibilities and personal duties
1.Tobe responsible for the general welfare and husbandry of Zoo animals includingthe cleaning and inherent safety of enclosures, the preparation and storage ofanimal food and the feeding of animals.
2.Tosupervise 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.Totrain and be trained in all aspects of animal husbandry.
4.Tokeep a varied, detailed and complete record of all animals within a given remitincluding but not limited to daily report sheets, quarantine records andveterinary records.
5.Tosupervise and be responsible for patrolling the Zoo as required and thedirection and diplomatic control of visitors on a daily basis including the useof appropriate measures to deal with unforeseen situations.
6.Tocommunicate orally and in writing on a range of Zoo issues to a range of Zoostakeholders including veterinary care, the Police Service for Northern Ireland(PSNI), public relations, interest groups, senior managers and at specialevents.
7.Toorganise, implement, maintain and control many varied interactive, fundraisingand hospitality events involving the public and any other interested parties.
8.Tobe responsible for using and maintaining a variety of machinery and equipment.
9.Touse and apply all appropriate chemicals and related substances in accordancewith the manufacturer’s guidelines and CoSHH or other relevant health andsafety regulations.
10.Toimplement all relevant Belfast City Council and Zoo health and safety policiesand procedures including various daily checks (including dangerous animals,escape and lost children); and acting as a keyholder for all animal enclosuresand public areas.
11.Toliaise with external contractors working in the Zoo over working arrangements,timing and nature of work to be done in and around animal enclosures.
12.Tocarry out minor repairs and maintenance on animal enclosures as required untilfull remedial or other appropriate action can be taken.
13.Tomaintain the cleanliness and general safety of the areas around animalenclosures through litter picking and associated activities.
14.Toadminister and maintain a working knowledge of appropriate and relevant drugsand medication for the treatment of animals under suitable veterinary guidance.
Essentialcriteria
Experience
(a)Applicants must, beable to demonstrate by providing personal and specificexamples, 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 andattributes
Applicants mustbe able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that theypossess the following special skills and attributes which may be tested atinterview:
Technicalknowledge
An understanding of the role of a zookeeper andthe role of the modern zoo.
Customercare skills
Good inter-personal skills with an awareness ofthe importance of customer care.
Supervisoryskills
The ability to supervise and be responsible forthe work of volunteers, students, researchers etc.
Full Job Description available
Short-listing criteriaInaddition to the above experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right toshortlist only those applicants who, as at the closing date for receipt ofapplication forms:
·inthe first instance, can demonstrate on the application form, by providingpersonal and specific examples, at least two years’ relevant zoo keepingexperience; and
·inthe second instance, have a relevant qualification in an animal discipline suchas the City and Guilds Zoo Animal Management Certificate, Advanced NationalCertificate in Zoo Animal Management, Diploma in the Management of Zoo andAquarium 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: 31 Jan 2024 at 10.00am
Ifyou are interested in this opportunity, please send an up-to-date CV via thelink provided and we will be in touch.
TaskRecruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Weare an equal opportunities employer. Wewelcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
