At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for birds, support conservation efforts, and engage with visitors at Birdworld.
- Company: Join Birdworld, a leader in aviculture and conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, employee assistance programme, and generous discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal welfare while working with amazing birds and inspiring guests.
- Qualifications: Passion for animals, experience in aviculture, and a relevant diploma or degree.
- Other info: Work outdoors in all weather, with opportunities for training and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
To contribute to the daily care, welfare, and management of the bird collection within Birdworld. This includes maintaining high standards of husbandry, supporting conservation and breeding programs, delivering excellent guest experiences, and upholding Birdworld’s values around welfare, education, and conservation.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver daily care of birds, including feeding, cleaning, monitoring behaviour and health, and supporting enrichment.
- Take responsibility for a defined area or section of the collection, ensuring standards are upheld and accurate records are maintained.
- Support the Senior Keepers and Team Leader in delivering species-appropriate care, including diet preparation and enrichment design.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness in aviaries, enclosures, food preparation areas and service spaces.
- Follow all biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare protocols and encourage others to do the same.
- Monitor and report behavioural or health concerns to senior staff in a timely and accurate manner.
- Participate in conservation, education, and breeding initiatives as directed.
- Provide friendly, informative, and engaging experiences for visitors, including talks, feeds and informal engagement.
- Assist with seasonal activities, events, and other duties as required to support the wider park.
- Support team communication by ensuring daily reports, records, and handovers are accurately maintained.
Working Conditions
- Outdoor and indoor work in all seasons and weather conditions.
- Routine exposure to animal allergens, dust, noise, and biological materials.
- Manual handling, physical labour, and use of cleaning products and equipment.
- Working as part of a rota that includes weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
Person Specification
- Good working knowledge of bird husbandry, including diet, behaviour, and welfare.
- Experience in a zoological or avicultural setting (professional or voluntary).
- Passion for conservation, animal welfare, and education.
- Patience and calm demeanour when working with animals.
- Attention to detail and strong observational skills.
- Ability to solve problems and adapt to changing needs.
- Excellent communication and teamworking skills.
- Positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn and undertake training and professional development.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and carry out physically demanding tasks.
- Diploma or degree in Animal Management, Zoology, Conservation, or related field.
- Specific experience with exotic, endangered, or specialist avian species.
- Awareness of EAZA/BIAZA standards or similar frameworks.
- Experience delivering public talks or engaging with guests in a zoo/park setting.
- Basic understanding of enrichment and training principles.
Other Requirements
- Commitment to Birdworld’s values around animal welfare, inclusion, and sustainability.
This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may be amended or added based on the needs of the business.
Employee Benefits
- An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing free and confidential counselling and advice to all employees and their immediate family.
- Contributory pension scheme for eligible employees.
- Generous Staff Discount Scheme after completion of probationary period.
Bird Keeper (Aviculture) - Full-time (including weekends) - Birdworld in Farnham employer: Haskins Garden Centres
Contact Detail:
Haskins Garden Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bird Keeper (Aviculture) - Full-time (including weekends) - Birdworld in Farnham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Birdworld! Before your interview, do a bit of research on their conservation efforts and the bird species they care for. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you connect with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be engaging with guests, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to share information in an engaging way. Try rehearsing some fun facts about birds or conservation that you can share during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Birdkeeping is all about collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you’ve worked well in teams before. Share specific examples where you’ve contributed to a group effort, especially in a zoo or avicultural setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Bird Keeper (Aviculture) - Full-time (including weekends) - Birdworld in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Birds: When writing your application, let your love for birds and conservation shine through! Share any relevant experiences you have, whether it's working with birds or volunteering in wildlife conservation. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Mention specific responsibilities from the role, like bird husbandry or guest engagement, to show us you're a perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Bird Keeper position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haskins Garden Centres
✨Know Your Birds
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of bird husbandry, behaviour, and welfare. Familiarise yourself with the specific species at Birdworld and any conservation efforts they support. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in aviculture or zoological settings. Highlight any specific roles where you’ve cared for birds, engaged with guests, or participated in conservation initiatives. Use examples that demonstrate your skills and dedication.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, convey your enthusiasm for animal welfare and education. Be prepared to share how you would create engaging experiences for visitors. A positive attitude can make a big difference in how you’re perceived by the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about Birdworld’s conservation programs, team dynamics, or future initiatives. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the workplace aligns with your values and career goals.