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Animal Observation Volunteer - London Zoo City of Westminster, England

The Zoological Society

Full Time City of Westminster, England 10.56 - 12.04 GBP Today

Job description

Overview:

Across ZSL’s two zoos, we have over 30,000 animals which the team cares for. The Evidence-based Animal Care team are responsible for investigating reports from colleagues about an aspect of animal behaviour that may be causing concern or for the purposes of evaluating the effect of a new treatment, enrichment device, change in social structure, enclosure move etc. Our Animal Observation Volunteers help us to carry out this work.

This role would especially suit anyone who wants and would benefit from the opportunity to practice their observation skills within the animal collections at ZSL.

Role Profile:

Commitment for role:

This volunteer role can be undertaken on any day of the week, but it will be primarily weekdays (M-F) whilst learning the ropes. The preferred shift timings are 09:00-16:00 but timings and days of the week can be flexible to fit in with transport schedules and study commitments etc. We are looking for volunteers who can support the team for two days per month on an ongoing basis.

ZSL Contact/ Supervisor:

Animal Welfare Officer

Main tasks volunteer will be asked to undertake:

Volunteers in this role will be asked to attend a morning briefing with a member of the Evidence-based Animal Care team on each shift to receive an overview of the projects currently waiting to be completed. Volunteers may then be helping with a range of tasks, including but not limited to:
- Conducting live animal observations
- Reviewing previously collected camera footage or data input from observation records
At the end of the shift, volunteers are asked to summarise their findings in a simple report that can be circulated to relevant ZSL staff for reference or further action.
When face-to-face briefings are not possible, communication will be by email or online meeting.
For the organisation to work effectively, volunteers may be required to assist with other areas of work and therefore should be prepared to undertake duties appropriate to the role, as outlined by your Volunteer Supervisor.
Initially volunteers will be given support to learn the commonly applied methodologies, but in time this is something that most people can develop independently.
The ability to input data at home (on Excel) and email it back would be ideal, but not essential.

NB. There is limited/minimal direct contact with animals in this role.

Anticipated skills and experience that the volunteer will bring:

Some knowledge and interest in animal behaviour, research, and welfare – although formal studies in this area are only desirable.
Good attention to detail and commitment to repetitive tasks (animal observations, data entry, archiving) - advanced statistics are not a requirement!
Willingness to work within the team to complete other duties as necessary.
Good initiative and a willingness to learn, follow instructions and communicate.
Proactive in approach to work and opportunity to learn.
Commitment to attend induction and ongoing training as part of role.
Strong ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to demonstrate ZSL’s values – inspiring, innovative, impactful, collaborative, ethical.

NB. Volunteers must be aged over 18 years.

Skills and experience volunteer will gain:

The opportunity to be involved in an international conservation charity.
Experience and understanding the role of an animal welfare team within a large organisation.
Training and an opportunity to learn new skills.
Support and opportunity to learn from an experienced Evidence-based Animal Care team and wider team.

Relevant training may include:

Support to learn the commonly applied methodologies.
Training on use of record system and archiving.

Support and resources provided:

Centralised ZSL Volunteer Management Team for general enquiries, support and problem-solving.
Named ZSL contact/supervisor to provide support and guidance in this role.
Provision of uniform.
Volunteer ID pass.
Regular Staff and Volunteer e-newsletter.
Complimentary tea and coffee.
Access to discounted Staff and Volunteer catering options.
Opportunities to attend optional ZSL volunteer recognition and thank you activities.
Access to limited discounted Staff and Volunteer catering facilities.
Discounts on ZSL products, experiences, and activities.
Travel expenses from home to London Zoo, and subsistence, are reimbursed up to £15 per day.
Access to computers when needed for project work or admin

Work Place Conditions:

This role is based at London Zoo.
Volunteer duties may take place outdoors or inside warm enclosures.
Mess Room facilities available.

Person Specification:

Please note that in this recruitment, we are only looking for volunteers who can undertake this role at London Zoo. We are looking for people who can be available this summer and beyond.

To Apply:

Applicants will need to upload their CV and answer the screening questions (detailing your relevant experience, interest and availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this role online" button above.

We encourage applications from all and we can discuss any access requirements you may have if invited to attend an interview and/or trial session.

The closing date for applications is: Midnight (23:59) Monday 10th April 2023.

Informal interviews will take place later in April 2023, so please outline your availability during this time in your application.

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