At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for and manage a herd of Asian elephants, including training and daily husbandry.
- Company: Woburn Safari Park, a unique wildlife experience in the East Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to work with amazing animals.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a difference in animal care while working with elephants.
- Qualifications: Experience with category 1 animals and strong teamwork skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Woburn Safari Park is currently looking to recruit a Senior Animal Keeper to join the Elephant team. Woburn’s Elephant Herd consists of 4 Adult Asian elephants and our juvenile, which are managed in protective contact.
Duties will include daily husbandry and management of the elephants including training, washing and exercising. The successful applicant will be required to work as part of a close-knit team and will be able to demonstrate the good communication skills required for special experiences.
The ideal candidate would be required to have the following:
- Experience working with category 1 animals in a zoo environment or similar (essential).
- Experience in managing a team in the head of Section's absence (desirable).
- Experience working in a protective contact environment with elephants (desirable).
- Experience in the training of category 1 animals (desirable).
- Work well within a team and be able to supervise and develop work experience students (essential).
- Flexible approach to work and working hours (essential).
- Current full manual driving licence (essential).
The position is full time working 5 days out of 7. As this will include regular weekend working, a flexible approach to days/hours is required. Position and salary is dependent on experience. Due to our remote location, you will need your own transport.
Senior Animal Keeper - Elephants in London employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Woburn Safari Park is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work closely with a dedicated team in the care of majestic elephants. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive work culture, staff are encouraged to grow their skills in animal husbandry and training while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the East Midlands. The park's commitment to conservation and education, combined with competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements, makes it a rewarding place for those passionate about 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 Senior Animal Keeper - Elephants in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow animal keepers or professionals in the zoo sector. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with elephants or similar animals, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Share specific examples of your training techniques or husbandry practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! The animal care world is unpredictable, so showing that you can handle changes in schedule or tasks will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Woburn team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Animal Keeper - Elephants in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Elephants:When writing your application, let us know why you love working with elephants! Share any experiences you've had with these magnificent creatures and how they inspire you. This will help us see your genuine interest in the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience with category 1 animals, especially in a zoo or similar environment. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Senior Animal Keeper position, so don’t hold back!
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work:Since this role involves working closely with a team, emphasise your teamwork skills in your application. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, especially in managing or training situations.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your application well. And don’t forget to apply through our website – it’s the best way to ensure we see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Elephants
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about Asian elephants and their behaviour. Familiarise yourself with their daily care routines, training techniques, and any recent news about the herd at Woburn Safari Park. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since you'll be working closely with a team, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the team dynamic and support your colleagues, especially in the absence of the head of section.
✨Flexibility Matters
Woburn Safari Park requires a flexible approach to work hours. Prepare to discuss your availability and how you can adapt to the demands of the job, including weekend shifts. Highlight any previous roles where you had to adjust your schedule to meet the needs of the team or animals.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Good communication is essential for this role, especially when interacting with the public and training the elephants. Think of specific instances where you've effectively communicated in a challenging situation, whether it was with colleagues or visitors. This will demonstrate your ability to engage and educate others.
