At a Glance
- Tasks: Support animal welfare and engage with visitors at Wildwood Kent.
- Company: Join a passionate conservation charity dedicated to protecting British wildlife.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, annual leave, and discounts on attractions.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for overtime and varied tasks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care and a love for British wildlife is essential.
The predicted salary is between 5037 - 5037 £ per year.
Contract: 0.2 FTE (1 day per week), fixed term (6-month contract)
Location: Wildwood Kent, Herne Common, Kent, CT6 7LQ
Reports to: Head of Section
Responsible for: This role has no direct reports
Grade: 5
Job Purpose
This role sits within our team of keepers, responsible for the daily monitoring and general welfare of all species in our care, completing documentation as required, reporting concerns, and working with the wider organisation to support the work of our vision, mission and values. We are looking for a Saturday keeper to support our team at the weekend.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and implementation of high standards of husbandry and welfare, feeding in line with approved diets and correct feeding procedures and supporting the development of innovative, enriching and aesthetic enclosures with the team.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, equipment care and house-keeping as part of routine duties.
- Comply with all health and safety protocols and documentation, including emergency procedures, risk assessments and safe working practices.
- Assisting with the completion of comprehensive animal welfare audits.
- Participate in husbandry training, enrichment, veterinary interventions and other relevant animal related procedures as required.
- Develop knowledge by liaising with experienced colleagues, or those with specific knowledge of different species in the park.
- Support conservation projects through monitoring, release, and conservation breeding as directed.
- Enhance the visitor experience through positive engagement with guests to the park and giving keeper talks / Q&As / visitor animal experiences as required.
- Support broader Wildwood activities such as late evening / weekend functions, animal encounters, PR photo calls/filming, VIP encounters, Keeper for a Day, and other Wildwood events.
- Accurately input animal records and data onto daily record sheets and the ZIMS database etc.
The Working Week
Your working week will be varied and busy, with no two days the same. Priorities will be the husbandry and welfare of the species in our care, accurately completing all necessary paperwork, and collaborating with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the department. You will need to be consistently respectful of safe working practices and maintain the highest possible standards in all areas of your role.
Core working hours are 08:00 to 16:00 in winter and 08:00 to 17:00 in summer. You are entitled to an unpaid break of 30 minutes in the morning and an unpaid break of 30 minutes for lunch every day on which your working hours exceed six hours. This post is averaged at 7.6 hours per week over 1 day. The job will involve overtime, including some evening, weekend and bank holiday working as part of your normal duties. You may be required to occasionally travel between parks.
This job involves undertaking duties which include the following health, safety and wellbeing considerations:
- Use of machinery / tools
- Repetitive limb movements
- Lone working
- Working with Category One animals
- Use of company vehicle
Mandatory Training for this role includes:
- Equality & Diversity
- Fire Safety Awareness
- Ladder Safety
- First Aid
Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience
- All Wildwood staff are passionate, committed, and resourceful. To succeed in this specific role, you will be proactive, keen to learn, and a great team player.
- Practical experience of animal care to a high standard.
- Knowledge of animal husbandry processes and best practice.
- Confidence to carry out tasks independently, whilst also having the ability to follow instructions accurately and safely.
- Previous experience working collaboratively within a team.
- Ability to retain excellent attention to detail whilst working in a busy environment.
- A diligent approach with the ability to follow protocols and work within organisational policies.
- A respectful attitude towards all matters of Health & Safety, taking accountability for your own and that of others around you.
- Demonstrate a genuine love of British wildlife and belief in Wildwood’s Mission; to protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife.
- An understanding of animal handling, as may be necessary for veterinary procedures.
- Confidence in public speaking and camera work, as some social media work may be required.
Why work for Wildwood
Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. We work with nature to fight the biodiversity crisis, to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats in which nature thrives. We focus on nature-based solutions to return native species and recreating truly wild spaces.
Wildwood has a proud culture of respecting and valuing all colleagues. Our people are integral to our success; their expertise enables us to achieve our ambitions, their professionalism creates strong collaborations, and their integrity upholds our organisational values.
Employment Package
- Annual salary of £5,037
- Annual leave allowance of 6 days a year, including statutory holidays
- Inclusive and family-friendly working policies
- Selection of staff benefits including discounts
- Free or reduced price entry to BIAZA accredited zoos and aquariums
Trainee Keeper - Kent employer: Wildwoodescot
Wildwood is an exceptional employer, dedicated to the conservation of British wildlife and fostering a collaborative work environment. As a Trainee Keeper in Kent, you will benefit from a supportive culture that values your growth, offers inclusive policies, and provides opportunities to engage with nature while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on innovative practices, Wildwood ensures that every team member plays a vital role in achieving our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Keeper - Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Wildwood and its mission. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to animal care and husbandry. Think about your experiences and how they align with what Wildwood is looking for. We want to hear your passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have any relevant experience or training, be sure to highlight it during your interview. Whether it's animal handling or public speaking, let us know how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Keeper - Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for British wildlife shine through! We want to see your genuine enthusiasm for animal care and conservation, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for proactive team players, so showcase any practical experience in animal husbandry or teamwork!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 Trainee Keeper position at Wildwood Kent. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wildwoodescot
✨Know Your Animals
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of British wildlife and animal husbandry. Familiarise yourself with the species that Wildwood cares for and be ready to discuss their specific needs and behaviours. This shows your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role requires collaboration, think of examples from your past experiences where you worked effectively in a team. Be prepared to share how you contributed to group tasks and supported your colleagues, as this will highlight your ability to fit into their team culture.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
The job involves completing documentation and maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety. During the interview, mention any experiences where attention to detail was crucial. This could be in previous jobs or volunteer work, showcasing your diligence and respect for protocols.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
As part of the role, you'll be interacting with visitors and possibly giving talks. Practice speaking about your passion for wildlife conservation and how you would engage guests. Showing enthusiasm and confidence in public speaking can set you apart from other candidates.
