At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for California Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, and Great White Pelicans while delivering engaging talks.
- Company: Join the passionate team at Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour with 28 days paid holiday and flexible hours.
- Other info: Work outdoors, be physically fit, and enjoy a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare and educate visitors about wildlife.
- Qualifications: Experience with Pinnipeds and strong public speaking skills required.
The predicted salary is between 26400 - 26400 £ per year.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is seeking a highly motivated and passionate individual to join our Animal keeping team on a full-time basis. The successful candidate will primarily be responsible for the daily husbandry and training of our California Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, and Great White Pelican. We are looking for an experienced trainer to help grow and develop this section.
The candidate must be able to maintain high standards of animal welfare and husbandry, as well as carry out presentations, guest experiences, and training sessions.
Candidates Must Have:
- Experience working with Pinnipeds
- An in-depth understanding of operant conditioning
- Great public speaking skills, and be confident in delivering educational talks, presentations, and experiences to visitors
Candidates Must Be Able To:
- Maintain high standards of animal welfare and husbandry
- Undertake & record animal observations
- Maintain daily record keeping and have good verbal and written communication skills
- Work independently, as well as in a team environment
- Adhere to all the park's protocols and procedures
- Work outside in all weathers, be physically fit and a confident swimmer
- Work under their own initiative
- Carry out enclosure furnishing and maintenance
- Deliver excellent customer service
- Engage visitors throughout our open season, through our daily talks and interactions
Candidates Should Ideally Have:
- An animal-related qualification
- Two years’ paid experience working in an animal department within a zoo
- Experience with Life Support Systems
- Experience with environmental enrichment
- A full clean UK driving licence, due to our location
This full-time position is 40 hours in our summer season and 35 hours in the winter season. Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the business, including working weekends and bank holidays. This position will be paid at the rate of the national minimum wage. You will get 28 days paid holiday, split between our two seasons. There is also no accommodation available for this role.
Apply For This Job:
To apply for this position, applicants must email a CV and covering letter, highlighting your skills and experience, including why you believe you should be considered for this position. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Please use the job reference 'Animal Keeper - Pinnipeds' in the email title. Any applications through other channels will be disregarded. Successful candidates will be contacted via email to arrange an interview. Interviews will be held at the park and will involve a practical session as well as a formal interview. Cover letters should be no longer than 1 side of A4.
Pinnipeds & Pelican Keeper: Training & Talks in London employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
At Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and engaging work culture. Our team is passionate about animal care and education, offering unique opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience with Pinnipeds and public interactions. Located in the beautiful South West, we provide a fulfilling environment where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying the stunning surroundings.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pinnipeds & Pelican Keeper: Training & Talks in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the park and its animals before your interview. Research the California Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, and Great White Pelican. This shows your passion and helps you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your public speaking skills! Since you'll be delivering talks and presentations, rehearse in front of friends or family. Confidence is key when engaging with visitors.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the practical session during the interview. Brush up on your animal husbandry skills and operant conditioning techniques. Show us what you can do hands-on!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park.
We think you need these skills to ace Pinnipeds & Pelican Keeper: Training & Talks in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Standout CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Pinnipeds & Pelican Keeper. Highlight your experience with pinnipeds and any relevant qualifications. We want to see what makes you the perfect fit for our team!
Nail Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be concise and engaging, no longer than one side of A4. Use it to showcase your passion for animal care and why you’re excited about this opportunity. Remember, we love enthusiasm!
Follow the Application Instructions:Be sure to email your application directly as specified in the job description. Use the job reference 'Animal Keeper - Pinnipeds' in the email title. We won’t consider applications sent through other channels, so stick to the guidelines!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since public speaking is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects your communication skills. We want to see how well you can convey your thoughts and experiences on paper before we meet you in person!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Pinnipeds
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of California Sea Lions and Harbour Seals. Be ready to discuss their behaviours, training techniques, and welfare needs. This shows your passion and expertise, which is exactly what they’re looking for!
✨Show Off Your Training Skills
Since the role involves operant conditioning, prepare to demonstrate your training methods during the practical session. Bring examples of how you've successfully trained animals in the past, and be ready to explain your approach clearly.
✨Engage with Public Speaking
Practice your public speaking skills before the interview. You might be asked to deliver a mock talk or presentation. Make it engaging and informative, showcasing your ability to connect with visitors and share your knowledge effectively.
✨Be Ready for Practical Challenges
Expect hands-on tasks during the interview. Familiarise yourself with enclosure maintenance and animal observation techniques. Showing that you can handle the physical demands of the job will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment.
