At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for birds, maintain habitats, and engage with visitors at Birdworld.
- Company: Join Birdworld, a leader in conservation and animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, staff discounts, and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in wildlife conservation while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Passion for animals and experience in aviculture or zoology preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Job Type: Full-time, including weekends and bank holidays as part of a rota.
Location: Birdworld, Holt Pound, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LD
Reports To: Living Collections Team Leader
Job Purpose: To contribute to the daily care, welfare, and management of the bird collection within Birdworld. This includes maintaining high standards of husbandry, supporting conservation and breeding programs, delivering excellent guest experiences, and upholding Birdworld’s values around welfare, education, and conservation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver daily care of birds, including feeding, cleaning, monitoring behaviour and health, and supporting enrichment.
- Take responsibility for a defined area or section of the collection, ensuring standards are upheld and accurate records are maintained.
- Support the Senior Keepers and Team Leader in delivering species-appropriate care, including diet preparation and enrichment design.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness in aviaries, enclosures, food preparation areas and service spaces.
- Follow all biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare protocols and encourage others to do the same.
- Monitor and report behavioural or health concerns to senior staff in a timely and accurate manner.
- Participate in conservation, education, and breeding initiatives as directed.
- Provide friendly, informative, and engaging experiences for visitors, including talks, feeds and informal engagement.
- Assist with seasonal activities, events, and other duties as required to support the wider park.
- Support team communication by ensuring daily reports, records, and handovers are accurately maintained.
Working Conditions:
The role involves outdoor and indoor work in all seasons and weather conditions. Routine exposure to animal allergens, dust, noise, and biological materials. Manual handling, physical labour, and use of cleaning products and equipment. Working as part of a rota that includes weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
Person Specification:
Essential:
- Good working knowledge of bird husbandry, including diet, behaviour, and welfare.
- Experience in a zoological or avicultural setting (professional or voluntary).
- Passion for conservation, animal welfare, and education.
- Patience and calm demeanour when working with animals.
- Attention to detail and strong observational skills.
- Ability to solve problems and adapt to changing needs.
- Excellent communication and teamworking skills.
- Positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn and undertake training and professional development.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and carry out physically demanding tasks.
Desirable:
- Diploma or degree in Animal Management, Zoology, Conservation, or related field.
- Specific experience with exotic, endangered, or specialist avian species.
- Awareness of EAZA/BIAZA standards or similar frameworks.
- Experience delivering public talks or engaging with guests in a zoo/park setting.
- Basic understanding of enrichment and training principles.
Other Requirements:
Commitment to Birdworld’s values around animal welfare, inclusion, and sustainability. This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may be amended or added based on the needs of the business.
Our employee benefits package includes:
- An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing free and confidential counselling and advice to all employees and their immediate family.
- Contributory pension scheme for eligible employees.
- Generous Staff Discount Scheme after completion of probationary period.
- Free on-site parking.
- Staff Uniform provided.
- Discounts.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Charity Day.
- Up to 38 days of holiday pro-rata.
- Cycle Scheme.
Locations
Bird Keeper (Aviculture) - Full-time (including weekends) - Farnham, Surrey employer: Birdworld
Birdworld is an exceptional employer that prioritises the welfare and development of both its staff and the avian collection. With a strong commitment to conservation and education, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that fosters growth through training opportunities and a collaborative team environment. Located in the picturesque Farnham, Surrey, Birdworld offers unique benefits such as a generous holiday allowance, an Employee Assistance Program, and a contributory pension scheme, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in aviculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bird Keeper (Aviculture) - Full-time (including weekends) - Farnham, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Birdworld! Before your interview, spend some time learning about their bird collection and conservation efforts. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect with the team during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Bird Keeper, you'll be engaging with guests and sharing your passion for birds. Try rehearsing how you'd explain bird care or conservation topics in a friendly way.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork spirit! Highlight any experiences where you've worked closely with others, especially in animal care settings. Birdworld values collaboration, so let them know you're a team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Bird Keeper (Aviculture) - Full-time (including weekends) - Farnham, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for birds and conservation shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for animal welfare and how it aligns with Birdworld’s values.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in aviculture or zoological settings. We’re looking for details about your hands-on work with birds, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for the Bird Keeper role. Mention specific responsibilities from the job description that excite you and how your skills match those needs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Birdworld!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birdworld
✨Know Your Birds
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of bird husbandry and behaviour. Familiarise yourself with the specific species at Birdworld and their care requirements. This will show your passion for aviculture and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Conservation Spirit
Be prepared to discuss your views on conservation and animal welfare. Think about how you can contribute to Birdworld’s values and initiatives. Sharing personal experiences or projects related to conservation can really make you stand out.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
Since part of the role involves interacting with guests, practice how you would engage them during talks or feeds. Show your enthusiasm for educating others about birds and conservation. A friendly, informative approach will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your teamwork skills and provide examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Discuss how you handle communication and support your colleagues, especially in a busy environment like Birdworld. This will show that you’re a great fit for their team-oriented culture.
