Job Description

Job title:

Head Keeper

Salary:

C1 27,711 - 30,060

Hours:

37 hours per week over 7 days on a rota system

Contract:

Permanent

Location:

Tropical World, Roundhay, Leeds

An exciting position has arisen for a Head Animal Keeper, based at The Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World at Roundhay Park working with a wide range of aquatics, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, small mammals and birds.


Tropical World is one of Leeds' most popular family attractions with over 300,000 visitors each year. The post-holder will be expected to work closely with the other on site teams, our zoo vet and both internal and external contractors to deliver a high quality visitor experience.


The successful candidate will be a flexible, well-motivated individual who can

cooperatively

lead the animal team to provide the highest levels of animal husbandry, conservation, education, and public access in this developing zoo.


As

one of two

Head Keeper's you will line-manage members of staff including permanent keepers, seasonal staff, apprentices, and volunteers. The successful candidate will be expected to manage training programmes, keep stock inventories, and contribute to new developments, small projects, and the collection plan.

The successful applicant will need to be:

Able to manage and motivate a diverse animal keeping team. A highly motivated, hard-working individual. Lead on Animal Training, Husbandry guidelines, visitor engagement. Able to take part in public presentations, keeper talks, social media outputs and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Willing to work weekends to a rota and on occasional evenings.

The successful applicant will have:

A Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or equivalent qualification. A least 5 years' experience working in a zoo environment and 2 years minimum in a supervisory position. Exceptional animal husbandry skills, high standards of animal care. A passion for Animal Welfare, Conservation, Education & Research. Previous practical experience of working with a range of species. Strong customer service and communication skills. An excellent understanding of health and safety in a zoological setting. An organised approach to managing animal records and reporting systems. A working knowledge of record keeping systems such as ZIMs. A full valid driving licence.

What we offer you:

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:


a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply:

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance

for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Abigail Hardwick (Animal Officer) email

Abigail.Hardwick@leeds.gov.uk

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, candidates must consider their own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least 38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. For more information visit

Skilled Worker visa

on the government website. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Purpose:

To assist in the provision of a high standard of animal husbandry within the Tropical World visitor attraction.

Responsibilities for Grade:

To assist the Animal Officer in the day to day organisation, management and supervision of staff and resources for the Tropical World collection of birds, repltiles, mammals and fish, incorporating existing examples of good practice within the national legislative framework and the constraints of departmental and Leeds City Council policies. To ensure that animal welfare policy procedures and animal husbandry is maintained to a high standard in line with guidelines laid out in the Secretary of States standards of Modern Zoo Practice and in accordance with the Zoo Licence and to assist in the implementation and resolution of animal management issues. To ensure that accurate records are kept, monitored and initiated, ensuring that those records are up to date, accessible and in line with current standards. To assist in the co-ordination and development of operational procedures for the various disciplines as required, including the supervision of contactors whilst within the zoo confines. To assist in the support of conservation and educational activities, including assisting and devising the design and implementation of zoo interpretation, supervising and implementing infrastructure maintenance within a zoo environment, recognising the impact such works will have on animals and birds in captivity. To work with other teams outside the zoo, to achieve a co-ordinated visitor experience at Tropical World, liaising with media as required and delivering 'Meet the Keeper' sessions. To assist with the recruitment and undertake induction of all staff for which the post is responsible. To supervise, train and develop animal and keepers, apprentices, placement students and volunteers in all aspects of animal husbandry in line with current legislation. To assist in liaison with government inspectors relating to zoo licencing. To liaise with other zoological collections and stud book keepers nationwide regarding species advise, stock movements etc, ensuring that any movements and exchanges of livestock are in line with current legislation and BIAZA transportation policy and accurate records maintained. To organise and assist with on-site veterinary visits and to undertake basic veterinary procedures as authorised and instructed, modifying animal husbandry and nutritional guidelines where necessary following consultation with vets, managers etc. To assist keepers in general duties when necessary, including the daily cleaning of all enclosures, ponds and off-view facilities. To comply with the health and safety and equal opportunities policies of the Council and legislation regarding employment conditions. To comply with the defined procedures and Standing Orders of the Council. To undertake any duties as may be commensurate with the post and grade.

Qualifications:

Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), Sparsholt College or equivalent qualification or substantial equivalent working experience.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.


Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

Skills Required:

Ability to carry out animal husbandry to a high standard in line with the Secretary of State`s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. Ability to interpret instructions and implement them accordingly. Competent in the safe catching and restraining of non-tame zoo animals and birds. Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels Ability to undertake cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures and ponds, which will involve bending and lifting. Ability to undertake interior landscaping, which may involve the lifting and moving of heavy objects. Ability to supervise and train junior Keepers, placement students, and volunteers. Ability to handle a wide range of captive animal and bird species Ability to deliver a verbal presentation of a zoo nature to groups and individuals.

Knowledge Required:

Knowledge of legislation and statutory requirements connected with the keeping of live animals within a zoological environment. Knowledge of ZIMS system. Recognised animal husbandry qualification: Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), Sparsholt College or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience. Repair and maintenance of animal enclosures. Full Driving licence.

Experience Required:

5 years minimum working in a zoo environment. 2 years minimum in a supervisory position Experience in water management within an aquarium setting. Experience with a variety of exotic animals, including primates, birds, reptiles & amphibians. Experience of taking receipt of deliveries and ordering goods from suppliers. Experience in the operation of ZIMS Experience and understanding of artificial incubation. Experience in delivering verbal presentations/keeper talks to groups and individuals.

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

Willing to abide by the Council's Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the Council. Willing to carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under the council's Health and safety Policies

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