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- Tasks: Help care for diverse animals and engage with visitors at our interactive farm.
- Company: ZSL, a leading conservation charity dedicated to protecting wildlife.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop skills, and make a positive impact on animal welfare.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and connect with amazing animals while learning about conservation.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18, physically fit, and eager to learn.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of one day per week for six months.
The Deer and Antelope section look after a wide variety of animals, including Deer, Camels, Gaur, Wild boar, Visayan warty pigs, Scimitar horned oryx and many more! You\’ll be helping the team take care of our diverse selection of animals by cleaning enclosures, food preparation, and general husbandry. There may be opportunity to observe animal training, and be involved with enrichment. You will be on your feet all day, so physical fitness is a must. Farm Hullabazoo Farm is an interactive, up-close adventure area, where visitors can meet and greet a range of farmyard animals, including miniature donkeys, pygmy goats, pigs, sheep and guinea pigs. This role involves both supporting the Keeper Team with a range of day-to-day animal care tasks and engaging with visitors inside the walk through. More experienced volunteers may have the chance to be involved in animal handling, grooming, animal training and meet and greet experiences. Each volunteer will be allocated to one or other of the sections. The role runs throughout the year and we are looking for a regular commitment of one day per week. We can be flexible around which day this is on discussion with your volunteer supervisor. The hours will be agreed with the relevant section but are likely to be 8am to 5pm or 8am to 4pm in the winter You need to have the right permissions to volunteer to apply for this role. ZSL does not sponsor individuals requiring a visa to be in the UK. Some visas allow someone to volunteer, but others don\\\’t. If you are subject to visa requirements, you should ask UK Visas and Immigration if your visa allows you to volunteer. Volunteers need to be over 18 years of age. Volunteer positions will last for a fixed period of 6 months. Main tasks will include :
- Cleaning animal enclosures and houses
- Helping to maintain public viewing areas
- Preparing food for the animals.
- Supporting positive visitor experiences by good customer service and visitor engagement.
- Monitoring animal behaviour and public interactions where required
- It is important to note that there is no direct contact with the animals, as they are managed in such a way as to encourage and retain a full range of natural behaviours and instincts.
A willingness to learn and follow instructions to the letter. - Good communication skills and the initiative to check if unsure of what needs to be done or that instructions are properly understood
- A good degree of fitness as many of the tasks are very physical
- Comfortable to be outside all day in extremes of weather.
- Ability to work calmly and sensitively in animal environments
- Appreciation that many procedures are in place to maintain health and safety for all staff and volunteers and must be adhered to exactly
- Reliability to attend when expected and to keep the team informed if you are not able to come in.
- Commitment and regular attendance
- Ability to demonstrate ZSL\’s values – inspiring, innovative, impactful, collaborative, ethical
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Keeper Volunteer - Farm and Deer and Antelope Sections employer: Whipsnade Zoo
Contact Detail:
Whipsnade Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Keeper Volunteer - Farm and Deer and Antelope Sections
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before you even apply, try to connect with current volunteers or staff. A friendly chat can give you insights into what they’re looking for and help you stand out when you do apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for animals! When you get the chance to meet the team, share your love for wildlife and any relevant experiences. It’s all about showing that you’re not just there for the role, but because you genuinely care.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see an opportunity to help out or learn something new during your volunteering, jump in. This shows initiative and a willingness to go above and beyond, which is always appreciated.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay flexible and reliable. Make sure you communicate clearly about your availability and stick to your commitments. Being dependable will make you a valuable part of the team and could lead to more opportunities down the line.
We think you need these skills to ace Keeper Volunteer - Farm and Deer and Antelope Sections
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: When writing your application, let us know why you love working with animals! Share any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for the Keeper Volunteer role. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and commitment.
Highlight Your Physical Fitness: Since this role involves a lot of physical activity, don’t forget to mention your fitness level! Let us know about any previous roles or activities that demonstrate your ability to handle the physical demands of the job.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whipsnade Zoo
✨Know Your Animals
Familiarise yourself with the different species you'll be working with, like deer, camels, and wild boar. Understanding their behaviours and needs will show your passion for animal care and help you stand out during the interview.
✨Show Your Commitment
Emphasise your willingness to commit to a regular volunteering schedule. Mention any previous volunteer experiences and how they have prepared you for this role. Reliability is key, so make sure to convey that you're someone who can be counted on.
✨Demonstrate Physical Fitness
Since the role involves a lot of physical activity, be ready to discuss your fitness routine. Share examples of how you stay active and fit, as this will reassure them that you can handle the demands of the job.
✨Engage with Visitor Experience
Talk about your customer service skills and how you can enhance visitor engagement. Share any past experiences where you've interacted with the public, especially in a setting involving animals, to highlight your ability to create positive experiences.