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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for Rhinos, including feeding, cleaning, and enclosure maintenance.
- Company: Join a world-renowned animal park dedicated to conservation.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, training opportunities, and discounts on food and accommodation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in wildlife conservation while working with amazing animals.
- Qualifications: Experience with Rhinos and good communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and potential onsite accommodation available.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team of dedicated Rhino Keepers. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with White, Black and Greater One Horned Rhinos and contribute to in-situ conservation programmes. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake all duties on the section from general husbandry including cleaning and feeding as well as enclosure maintenance and record keeping. Conservation education plays a big role in the park so there will be plenty of opportunities for talks and encounters with the public. We provide extensive staff training and will offer the opportunity to develop your professional skills and abilities.
Who We Are Looking For
You must have experience working with Rhinos, gained in a mainstream zoological collection and a full valid driving licence is essential. You will be a good communicator with the ability to impart knowledge to the section. You will need to be confident around all types of Rhinos with a hands-on approach to the restraint and handling of animals where necessary. Knowledge of health and safety is essential. A working knowledge of basic office software will be an advantage, as well as an understanding of ZIMS.
Contract Details
The position is permanent, working 40 hours per week, worked five days out of seven and will include weekends and bank holidays. Onsite accommodation may be available. A flexible approach to working hours is essential in any animal job. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location.
The location
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short-breaks accommodation, free-roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.
Why You Should Join Us
We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, ‘Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work. Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.
You can also expect a host of other benefits including:
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, pro-rata to start date, rising with length of service.
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning.
- Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
- Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
- Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
- Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
- Company Pension.
- And many more length of service-related rewards and benefits.
Your adventure awaits. Join our pride and become part of a dynamic team that protects and conserves wildlife for the future.
Apply For This Job
To apply: If you want to work in an exciting and unique environment where no two days are the same, email your CV and covering letter to recruitment@howlettsandportlympne.com.
Rhino Keeper employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rhino Keeper
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Rhino Keepers at Port Lympne. Understanding their roles and how they contribute to conservation can help you connect during your chat. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the pride!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! When you’re talking about your past work with Rhinos, be specific. Share stories that highlight your skills in animal handling and husbandry. We want to hear about those moments that made you a confident communicator around these magnificent creatures.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for some tough questions! Expect to discuss health and safety protocols, as well as your knowledge of ZIMS. Brush up on these topics so you can demonstrate your expertise and readiness to jump into the role without a hitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to express your passion for conservation! This job isn’t just about working with Rhinos; it’s about making a difference. Share why wildlife conservation matters to you and how you see yourself contributing to our mission at Port Lympne. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Rhino Keeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with Rhinos shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in conservation and animal care, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Rhino Keeper role. Highlight your experience with Rhinos and any specific skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention your communication skills and any hands-on experience you have with animal handling. We want to know what makes you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Rhinos
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about the different types of rhinos, their behaviours, and conservation needs. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will show your passion and expertise.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be interacting with the public and educating them about rhinos, practice explaining complex topics in simple terms. Think of a few engaging stories or facts that you can share during the interview to demonstrate your ability to connect with people.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous hands-on experience with rhinos or similar animals. Highlight any specific tasks you've undertaken, like handling or restraint techniques, and how you ensured the animals' well-being during those processes.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to health and safety protocols, as well as basic office software usage. Familiarise yourself with ZIMS if you can, and think about how you would handle various scenarios in the enclosure to showcase your problem-solving skills.