At a Glance
- Tasks: Support animal welfare and promote best practices in zoos as a Mammal Liaison Officer.
- Company: Join the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquaria (BIAZA) community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with professionals, and contribute to animal welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while collaborating with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a proactive attitude towards zoo regulations and enrichment.
- Other info: Flexible part-time volunteer role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
This is an unpaid post for which you must have institutional support and your collection must be a BIAZA member. The post is within ABTWG which is part of The British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquaria’s (BIAZA) Species Advisory Committee (SAC). As Mammal Liaison Officer, you will report to the Co-Chairs and Vice-chair of ABTWG. The Mammal Liaison Officer is a voluntary role within the ABTWG designed to strengthen the link between Mammal Working Group (MWG) and the ABTWG and promoting species appropriate enrichment practices and practical animal training approaches within the zoo community. The primary focus is on supporting evidence-based behaviour management to enhance animal welfare and ensure compliance with UK zoo standards, including BIAZA guidelines, the Zoo Licensing Act and the new SSMZP. The role also contributes to broader zoo initiatives by promoting best practice and collaboration across collections.
Role Summary
- Attend and participate in meetings for both the ABTWG and MWG (usually 2-3 times per year online and 1 per year in person per working group).
- Support the ABTWG and act as a link between them and the MWG, passing relevant notes/minutes between the 2 working groups.
- Assist in creating and sharing resources including with the delivery of webinars and workshops.
- To assist, when requested, in dealing with all general enquiries, administration and paperwork relating to the working group in a timely, professional and organized manner.
- Contributing to comms and resources when appropriate, for dissemination through existing communication channels e.g. BIAZA Bitesize, BIAZA Blog and social media.
- Liaising with the BIAZA Committees where necessary.
- Working with the co-chairs and vice chairs on ideas and plans for the future direction & development of the ABTWG.
Person Specification
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proactive individual who is keen to assist on developing ideas and plans for the future direction & development of the working group.
- Awareness of current zoo regulations.
- Proficiency in using literature databases and tools.
- Effectively and efficiently work as an individual and within a team.
- Strong interest in enrichment as well as training.
Desirable
- Experience of working with hoof stock/domestic species/primates.
- BIAZA Animal Training Accreditation holder or strong interest in enrolling.
Apply For This Job
Please send a CV and EoI to admin@biaza.org.uk. Your EoI should be a short outline of any relevant experience, qualifications, why you are interested in the role and any ideas on future areas of work; the EoI should be a maximum of 500 words.
BIAZA ABTWG Mammal Liaison Officer employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land BIAZA ABTWG Mammal Liaison Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the zoo and aquaria community, especially those involved with BIAZA. Attend events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and share your passion for animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your passion for mammal welfare and enrichment shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to the ABTWG and make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see an opportunity to assist with a project or initiative related to the Mammal Liaison Officer role, jump in. This shows your commitment and willingness to collaborate, which is key in this volunteer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure to tailor your expression of interest to highlight your relevant experience and ideas for the future direction of the working group.
We think you need these skills to ace BIAZA ABTWG Mammal Liaison Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight relevant experience, especially in animal welfare and communication skills. Tailor it to show how your background aligns with the Mammal Liaison Officer role.
Nail Your Expression of Interest (EoI): Keep your EoI concise and focused. Share your passion for animal welfare and any innovative ideas you have for the ABTWG. Remember, it's your chance to showcase why you're the perfect fit for this voluntary role!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: This role involves collaboration, so emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Mention any past experiences where you've successfully contributed to group projects or initiatives, especially in a zoo or conservation context.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully and double-check your documents before sending them off!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current zoo regulations and BIAZA guidelines. Familiarise yourself with the role of the Mammal Liaison Officer and how it fits within the ABTWG and MWG. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the position.
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Be ready to discuss your strong interest in enrichment and training practices. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have that could contribute to enhancing animal welfare. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the values of BIAZA.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are a must, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in collaborative settings, as this will be key in liaising between working groups.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Think about future directions and developments for the ABTWG. Prepare a few ideas or initiatives you could propose during the interview. This proactive approach will highlight your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute to the working group’s goals.