At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in caring for mammals and engage with visitors at Wingham Wildlife Park.
- Company: Wingham Wildlife Park, a vibrant and engaging wildlife experience.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, 28 days holiday, discounts, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Work outdoors, enjoy free zoo access, and develop your skills in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while inspiring the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in zoological mammal care and some team management experience.
The predicted salary is between 33251 - 33251 £ per year.
Wingham Wildlife Park is seeking a Deputy Head of Mammals. The role involves taking a hands-on approach to ensuring that animal care is conducted to the high standards expected on a day-to-day basis. Responsibilities include:
- Managing all areas of animal husbandry within the Mammal section when the Head of Mammals is not present.
- Liaising with the Head of Mammals and Head Keeper to ensure diets are prepared and given out correctly.
- Assisting with implementing training plans within the department.
- Ensuring correct medication is given to animals and liaising with the Head Keeper/Head of Mammals if any concerns arise.
- Ensuring enclosure security and reporting any concerns immediately.
- Communicating with the Head Keeper regarding stock that needs ordering.
- Reporting directly to the Head Keeper, Curator, and Directors when the Head of Mammals is not present.
- Training and developing a team of up to 7 keepers.
- Assisting with conducting performance reviews of staff and suggesting improvements.
- Supervising apprentices, volunteers, and interns.
- Engaging with visitors and developing public keeper talks.
- Ensuring all paperwork is kept up to date and correctly filled in.
- Assisting in planning how the section is run with the Head of Mammals and Head Keeper.
- Attending the daily end of day meeting.
What You Need To Be Considered For The Role:
- Proven experience working with mammals in a zoological setting for at least 2 years.
- Some experience managing a team of people, preferably 1 year or more.
- Ability to motivate your team whilst under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Some IT skills with a working knowledge of Zims is desirable (full training will be given).
Benefits:
- Permanent Contract
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- In-house training, plus access to an extensive training budget covering external workshops, conferences, symposia, and online courses
- Free staff parking
- Free entrance to the zoo on your days off plus 5 complimentary day tickets per year
- Uniform
- 30% staff food discount
- 40% staff drinks & snacks discount
- 20% animal experiences discount
- 10% gift shop discount
This full-time position (45 hours per week) requires individuals to be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and to work on weekends, during school holidays, and on bank holidays.
Deputy Head of Mammals employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Wingham Wildlife Park is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and communication thrive. With a commitment to animal care excellence, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks such as free zoo access and discounts on experiences, making it a rewarding place to grow your career in animal care.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Mammals
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Mammals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
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Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
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Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
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Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
