We are seeking a Zookeeper for our client based in Belfast. The succesful candidate will be responsible for, 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. They will also be responsible for interacting with visitors and other Zoo users through presentations, tours, talks and events as required.
Pay Rate: £12.93 Per Hour
Hours per Week: 37
Working Hours: Day shift, must be flexible to work Monday - Sunday
Job Type: Temporary
Job Duties:
- 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.
- 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.
- To train and be trained in all aspects of animal husbandry.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- To organise, implement, maintain and control many varied interactive, fundraising and hospitality events involving the public and any other interested parties.
- To be responsible for using and maintaining a variety of machinery and equipment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- To carry out minor repairs and maintenance on animal enclosures as required until full remedial or other appropriate action can be taken.
- To maintain the cleanliness and general safety of the areas around animal enclosures through litter picking and associated activities.
- To administer and maintain a working knowledge of appropriate and relevant drugs and medication for the treatment of animals under suitable veterinary guidance.
- To undertake the duties of the post in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the Zoo and the city council.
Job Criteria:
- Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms, be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least one year’s relevant zoo keeping experience.
- 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:
- An understanding of the role of a zookeeper and the role of the modern zoo.
- Good inter-personal skills with an awareness of the importance of customer care.
- The ability to supervise and be responsible for the work of volunteers, students, researchers etc.
- Good oral and written communication skills when dealing directly with veterinary care, PSNI, public relations, delivering animal talks to the public, and so on.
- The ability to organise, implement, maintain and control day to day animal husbandry.
- An understanding of the health and safety policies and procedures to ensure that such regulations are applied for members of the public, staff and safeguarding of the animals.
Additional Information:
This Zookeeper position is in Belfast, Northern Ireland. You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this role.
Candidates interested in this position please email you CV to Ciara.Baird@industrialtemps.com or call 028 9032 2511 and ask to speak with Ciara for more information.
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