Ranger

Fota Wildlife Park

Ireland Closing date for applications is: 12th Sep 2025

Contact: HR Recruitment (recruitment@fotawildlife.ie) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: TBA

Fota Wildlife Park a not-for-profit organisation, is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, and is located on 100 acres at Fota Island 10km east of Cork City. With an annual attendance of 430,000 visitors, our vision is to inspire people to understand and conserve the biodiversity of our natural world. The Park’s core values of conservation, education and research have ensured that we are uniquely placed to foster greater public understanding of the threats to plant and animal habitats and decreasing global biodiversity.

Fota Wildlife Park has made considerable investment in the past 10 years upgrading its infrastructure including an indoor Giraffe viewing area, the Madagascan Village and the Asian Sanctuary which opened in 2015 and features Asian lions, Sumatran tigers, and Indian rhino.

Job Specification – Ranger

An exciting fulltime permanent position has arisen for a highly motivated individual as a Ranger within Fota Wildlife Park. The Ranger will work with the Lead Rangers, Senior Rangers and Rangers, and reports to the Lead Ranger.

The Ranger will assist the Lead Ranger and Senior Ranger of their assigned section, with the implementation and evaluation of husbandry standards, enrichment, training, and health care for animals in that section. A strong work ethic and proven experience of operant conditioning and animal enrichment are required. Duties will include, but are not limited to, the care and feeding of exotic and domestic animals; the cleaning and maintenance of buildings, exhibits, and other animal enclosures; observation and reporting of physical and behavioural condition of the animals; animal training; and participation in Fota Wildlife Park’s conservation and education programs.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, condition and behaviour of the animals are closely monitored and maintained to the highest standards, taking preventative or remedial action in liaison with the Senior Section staff as necessary, keeping all relevant records as required.
• Ensure up-to-date knowledge and understanding relevant to the section, utilising all available resources and making recommendations for change and improvement through the appropriate channels.
• Work closely with the veterinary personnel regarding all aspects of animal health care, including assisting with the capture and restraint of all species and being involved with implementation of preventative medicine programmes as required.
• Works with the Senior Section staff to develop the operant conditioning programme and can train to a level to include various completed behaviours.
• Works with the Senior Section staff to develop the provision of enrichment to stimulate the animals physically and psychologically.
• Ensure that Fota Wildlife Park’s policies and procedures are always followed and ensuring the correct adherence of Health and Safety compliant practices and where appropriate the implementation of new safe working practices with approval of senior line managers.
• Work with Fota Wildlife Park’s Education Department to facilitate educational programs.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, which will include some holidays, occasionally evenings and early mornings.
• Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft software products as well as a working knowledge of ZIMS.
• Must be able to travel large areas of Fota Wildlife Park as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Has a substantial experience of zoological animal management, with at least four years relevant experience in a BIAZA/EAZA or similarly accredited facility.
• Has achieved or is willing to work towards an appropriate animal related qualification (DMZAA or equivalent).
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety as it applies in a zoological setting and be proficient in the use of IT systems including ZIMS.
• This is a physically demanding position so candidates must have a good level of physical fitness.
• Be fluent in both written and spoken English and where appropriate must have an approved permit to work in Ireland.
• The role will require working alternate weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) and some public holidays.

Fota Wildlife Park is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for team members who share those same values.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive list and may be subject to change. Additional duties may be assigned as required to meet the evolving needs of the organisation.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 12th September 2025.

Apply For This Job

Please apply on-line via our website https://www.fotawildlife.ie/pages/jobs #J-18808-Ljbffr