At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals, maintain enclosures, and engage with visitors through tours and events.
- Company: Exciting zoological gardens dedicated to animal welfare and education.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, work in a vibrant environment, and connect with wildlife enthusiasts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal care while sharing your passion with the public.
- Qualifications: At least one year of relevant zoo keeping experience required.
- Other info: Join a team that values conservation and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 1054 - 1157 £ per month.
MAIN PURPOSE: To be responsible to the Curator or other responsible officer to undertake, either individually or as part of a team, the feeding, cleaning and general welfare of animals and the maintenance and security of enclosures at the Zoological Gardens. To be responsible for interacting with visitors and other Zoo users through presentations, tours, talks and events as required.
KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
- To be responsible for the general welfare and husbandry of Zoo animals including the cleaning and inherent safety of enclosures, the preparation and storage of animal food and the feeding of animals.
- To supervise and be responsible for the work of volunteers, students, researchers, and invited guests or interested parties working, helping and refurbishing etc. all enclosures within the immediate area of animals.
- To train and be trained in all aspects of animal husbandry.
- To keep a varied, detailed and complete record of all animals within a given remit including but not limited to daily report sheets, quarantine records and veterinary records.
- To supervise and be responsible for patrolling the Zoo as required and the direction and diplomatic control of visitors on a daily basis including the use of appropriate measures to deal with unforeseen situations.
- To communicate orally and in writing on a range of Zoo issues to a range of Zoo stakeholders including veterinary care, the Police Service for Northern Ireland (PSNI), public relations, interest groups, senior managers and at special events.
- To organise, implement, maintain and control many varied interactive, fundraising and hospitality events involving the public and any other interested parties.
- To be responsible for using and maintaining a variety of machinery and equipment.
- To use and apply all appropriate chemicals and related substances in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and CoSHH or other relevant health and safety regulations.
- To implement all relevant client and Zoo health and safety policies and procedures including various daily checks (including dangerous animals, escape and lost children); and acting as a keyholder for all animal enclosures and public areas.
- To liaise with external contractors working in the Zoo over working arrangements, timing and nature of work to be done in and around animal enclosures.
- To carry out minor repairs and maintenance on animal enclosures as required until full remedial or other appropriate action can be taken.
- To maintain the cleanliness and general safety of the areas around animal enclosures through litter picking and associated activities.
- To administer and maintain a working knowledge of appropriate and relevant drugs and medication for the treatment of animals under suitable veterinary guidance.
- To undertake the duties of the post in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the Zoo and the client.
Essential criteria: Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms, be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least one year's relevant zoo keeping experience.
Zookeeper in Belfast employer: Staffline Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Staffline Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Zookeeper in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Zoo! Before your interview, spend some time visiting the zoo and familiarising yourself with the animals and their enclosures. This will not only show your genuine interest but also give you some great talking points during your chat with the Curator.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Be ready to discuss your previous experience in animal husbandry and any relevant training you've had. We want to hear about how you've handled animals, managed enclosures, or even organised events. Bring those stories to life!
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the team! If you get a chance, connect with current staff or volunteers at the zoo. Ask them about their experiences and what they love about working there. This can give you insider knowledge and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen to be part of our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Zookeeper in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare and how you've contributed to their care in previous roles.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to detail your relevant zoo keeping experience. Use examples that showcase your skills in feeding, cleaning, and maintaining enclosures. The more specific you are, the better we can see how you fit into our team!
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Since interacting with visitors is a big part of the job, mention any experience you have in public speaking or leading tours. We want to know how you can engage and educate our guests about the animals!
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 get you on the path to joining our amazing team at the Zoo.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffline Group PLC
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the animals you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, diets, and habitats. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely passionate about animal welfare.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous zoo keeping experience. Highlight situations where you successfully managed animal care, interacted with visitors, or handled emergencies. This will demonstrate your hands-on skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Communication is Key
Since you'll be interacting with visitors and stakeholders, practice how you communicate complex information clearly and engagingly. Think about how you would explain animal care practices or safety protocols to someone unfamiliar with them.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect situational questions during your interview. Prepare for scenarios like dealing with an escaped animal or managing a large group of visitors. Show that you can think on your feet and handle unforeseen situations calmly and effectively.