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An exiting opportunity has arisen for the position of Animal Keeper within our private animal collection at Larchwood Estate located near Taplow, South Buxckinghamshire.

You could see yourself working with a large variety of exotic bird and mammal species some of which are uncommon even in zoo collections. We are not open to the public, so the core focus of the role is delivering exceptional animal care and husbandry.

This role will include direct involvement in all aspects of animal husbandry including preparing and distributing diets, maintaining enclosures, providing enrichment, developing and delivering husbandry training plans and assisting in health care.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate individual to join the team, with relevant practical experience in the husbandry of a wide range of bird and mammal species and have at least a level 3 animal qualification.

What the role entails:

Animal Keeper: 8 hours, 5 days a week, with a weekend rota split between the current staff.

You’ll be responsible for the day to day husbandry of all animals on site.

Hours can vary in accordance with schedule of works.

Bank holiday work will be required on a rota basis.

Key duties will include.

Monitor animals carefully for behavioural, reproductive and medical problems and ensure prompt action is taken to alleviate them, and administer medication as prescribed.

Ensure animal enclosures are maintained to a high standard for the safety, health and well-being of the animals and to contribute ideas towards improving enclosures.

Prepare and distribute feed to the animals, following the prescribed diets and to have a good understanding of animal nutrition.

To provide environmental enrichment to animals within your care.

To participate in animal training exercises where appropriate, demonstrating confidence in delivering existing and training new trained behaviours.

To perform capture and restraint of animals with minimal supervision, for enclosure movement, veterinary examination or export from the collection, while minimising stress.

To work with other industry professionals as and when necessary e.g. veterinarian

Keeping up-to-date daily detailed records of the animals under your care.

To assist with breeding procedures and raising young animals

To assist with all aspects of animal husbandry

What you will need to be considered for this position:

You will need a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, good attention to detail and demonstratable experience of working with animals.

• An interest and passion for animals is essential!
• A minimum of a Level 3 animal qualification.
• Willingness to liaise with colleagues across a variety of levels.
• An excellent work ethic and ability to work on your own.
• Ability to work efficiently and at pace, with excellent time management skills.
• Be physically fit to complete a variety of manual tasks.
• Reasonable I.T /Microsoft office experience.
• Hold a full UK driving license.

Benefits:

As an Animal Keeper you’ll receive a pay rate to suit your experience, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include.

• Annual leave entitlement.
• Working with a diverse range of animals.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• CPD Opportunities.
• A great team to work with.