Senior Animal Keeper

Job Description

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

Responsibilities

To supervise delivery of the day to day operations of the allocated animal section and all related animal projects, aiming to optimise animal welfare and visitor experience, and to support delivery of an innovative and engaging programme of live animal interactive activities.

• Supervise all aspects of the day to day operation of the allocated animal section, including rota management, staff development and signing off completed sections.
• Ensure animal welfare, husbandry and management is of the highest standard, taking into account relevant legislation and best practice.
• Contribute to enclosure design, supervise maintenance, enrichment and habitat furnishing so that it meets the animals’ needs and is presentable to the public; suggest development ideas to the team manager.
• Engage with and support visitors, ensuring the message is consistent with team objectives and RZSS’ mission; provide first class customer care, answer queries and undertake public talks, tours and experiences.
• Collate and record detailed animal records, including enrichment and training plans, and ensure accurate data (weights, behaviours, births, deaths, treatments) can be input to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) or other relevant databases; support other teams with assessment or analysis of ZIMS or field data when needed.
• Supervise, motivate, develop and review team members, following good management practice and working within HR policy guidelines so their performance meets or exceeds agreed performance standards.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification meeting the requirements of the European Professional Zookeepers Qualification Framework (zookeepers.eu/framework/), e.g. Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), or equivalent qualifications and experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of zoological legislation and best practice.
• Knowledge and skills of good animal management.
• Working knowledge of ZIMS and other zoo related management systems is desirable.
• Competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Benefits

• Starting pro rated salary of £29,131 or £29,859 (offer based on experience) with future progression up to £32,469 per annum.
• 34 days annual leave (pro rata).
• Discounts in retail and catering.
• Access to a healthcare plan.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24 hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice.
• Employer contributory pension scheme.
• Staff membership giving free (and discounted) entry for you and family/friends to Highland Wildlife Park, Edinburgh Zoo and other zoos across the UK.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010.