EXPERIENCED BIRD KEEPER

Linton Zoo Conservation Park currently has a full-time permanent keeper position available for an experienced, highly motivated, reliable and enthusiastic individual with a special interest in birds. Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years prior experience paid work with birds such as parrots, toucans, hornbills, cranes, owls and vultures within a zoological environment.

This position is for someone with a special interest and experience with birds but the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to train to work with a range of mammals and reptiles. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day animal husbandry, including cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.

This is a physically demanding role which requires kneeling, crawling, climbing etc. and the ability to lift heavy food, straw bales etc. in varying weather conditions. The successful candidate will be expected to work to a flexible rota, this position requires applicants to be able to work on weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays. Holidays should be taken off season and not during school holidays.

The applicant must be flexible about their duties within the zoo and should be prepared to be involved in all aspects of animal care associated with the daily, safe and smooth running of a family owned and managed conservation and education park with a diverse collection of animals. This is a part-time or full-time role working an average around 24 to 40 hours a week over 3 to 5 days. Working days will vary over a 7 day rota, including weekends and bank holidays.

The annual salary for this position is a competitive rate for a qualified keeper on an experience related scale. This is a permanent position with a start date as soon as is possible. There will be the opportunity to advance to a senior position for the right candidate.

Applicants should be hard working, conscientious and uphold high standards of animal husbandry and welfare:

• A good knowledge of life support systems including bioactive environments
• A good knowledge of suitable plant species for browse and habitat planting, enrichment and naturalising
• Have good attention to detail and a consistent level of work standard is essential
• Have the ability to work both individually or as part of a team and have excellent communication skills
• Have exceptional attendance and time keeping skills
• Be proficient in public speaking or have the confidence to learn
• Be willing to assist with other areas of the park, including tours, educational presentations, general maintenance and upkeep of public areas and the supervision and training of trainee keepers
• Able to keep detailed animal records (we use ZIMS)
• Have ideally completed the DMZAA course or hold an equivalent qualification
• Have a broad knowledge of husbandry practices, an understanding of Zoo licence regulations and a minimum of 3 years full time paid work in a similar role
• Preferably have a full driving licence and car

Apply for this job if you would like the chance to join our great team, please download an application form from our website http://www.lintonzoo.com. Please send this with a covering letter and CV to Kim Simmons, Linton Zoo, Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB21 4NT or email to lintonzoo@hotmail.co.uk stating any previous experience and availability.

Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertised period for this role which may therefore be filled prior to the closing date. We would encourage you to submit your application form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Due to the number of applications we receive we are only able to respond to candidates who are successful through to the interview stage.