Animal Keeper - Primates
Salary £ 24,232
Twycross Zoo, Atherstone
Vacancy listed 03/02/2025
Application deadline 03/03/2025
Details
About Us:
 
Twycross Zoo is a fantastic conservation and education charity and historic organisation that has existed for 60 years. At the heart of what we do, the reason we exist, is to be an influential conservation and education charity, delivering on our commitments to be guest obsessed and provide world-class animal environments and levels of husbandry. Alongside this, we strive to be an effective charity with a commercial mindset, putting our people at the heart of the organisation. 
 
Key Objectives:
 
·       Work to the zoo’s high standard in all elements of animal care, providing the relevant species with correct husbandry, diet and care on a daily basis as directed by the Assistant Curator and Team Leader.
·       Communicate any concerns over animal health and wellbeing to a senior team member in an appropriate time frame. 
·       Role model the company values in all areas of your work, consistently delivering outstanding experiences to our guests.
 
Key Responsibilities:
 
·       Follow section husbandry and management routines to deliver a high level of animal care to relevant species including, but not limited to, enclosure servicing, diet provision, positive reinforcement training and providing a full range of enrichment opportunities.

·       Conduct observations on the relevant animals during the working day, reporting anything unusual or concerning to a senior member of the team.

·       Ensure all relevant risk assessments, standard operating procedures and policies are followed at all times, to ensure best practice for safe working, in line with health and safety practices.

·       Be proactive in looking for ways to improve own working knowledge and keep abreast of best practice of relevant species. Show initiative in how TZ can continually improve the wellbeing of its animals.

·       Record all required elements of animal data as directed by senior section staff. To include, but to limited to, section diary entries, DAM daily reports and single data entry points on ZIMS.

·       Engage with visitors on site, which may include delivering or assisting with animal talks and public feeds. 

·       Be supportive and help facilitate the work of other departments, including veterinary, maintenance, zoo-based research, conservation education and animal services. Show initiative in the suggestion of beneficial zoo-based research for the relevant species.

              
About you:
 
  • A BSc (or equivalent experience) in an animal or conservation related subject desirable.
  • Achieved the DMZAA (or equivalent) qualification desirable.
·       Knowledge of relevant taxa, including their physiology, natural behaviours and management practices in zoos.

·       High level of motivation in delivering high standards and the pursuit of excellence.

·       Demonstrate good time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and work independently.

·       A competent communicator at all levels across the society. Be appreciative and follow the need for confidentiality where appropriate.

  • IT competent in MS Office and ZIMS.
·       Knowledge of breeding programme management and the wider role of modern zoos in species and habitat conservation. Have some understanding of the work of BIAZA and EAZA.

·       Committed to supporting zoos in increasing our impact on species conservation.

·       Flexibility in working times and duties is a key requirement.

·       Physically able to complete section work as required
Benefits

Permanent contract
31 days annual leave
Life assurance
Access to ‘Perkbox’
Staff membership card giving you free entry to the zoo on your days off
Complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family
25% discount in the Twycross Zoo gift shop
25% discount in Twycross Zoo food and beverage outlets
Star of the month award scheme
Access to employee assistance services
Company sick pay from day one of absence