Animal Keeper (Saving Wildcats)

Come and work on the UK’s first wildcat restoration programme and help save one of our
most endangered native species.

This exciting role is based at the Highland Wildlife Park, as part of the EU LIFE funded,
European partnership project Saving Wildcats (SWAforLIFE). The role will be part of an animal
team dedicated to the management, breeding and pre-release training of wildcats. This team play
a critical role in preparing wildcats before they are released in the wild. Project partners
for Saving Wildcats include NatureScot, Forestry & Land Scotland, Cairngorms National Park
Authority, Nordens Ark (Sweden) and Junta de Andalucía (Spain).

The role

With direction from Senior Keepers and the Ex-situ Conservation Manager you will perform all
duties to ensure the smooth running of the allocated animal section/project, including animal
husbandry, CCTV monitoring, data handling. Following best practice guidance you’ll be providing
the highest standard of animal welfare and care in support of RZSS’ Vision and mission, aiming
to optimise the quality of the visitor experience as appropriate. 

This is a 2.5 year fixed term role where the working hours are annualised averaging 37.5 hours
per week and weekend working will be required.

Some of the things you’ll do:

• Help to ensure animal welfare, husbandry and management is of the highest standard, taking
  into account relevant legislation and best practice animal management.
• Contribute to enclosure design, maintenance, enrichment and enclosure furnishing to ensure
  it meets all the needs of the animals (e.g. enrichment, shelters, nest boxes) and suggest ideas
  for development to senior keepers.
• Collate and record detailed and accurate animal records via daily record sheets in relation
  to the good management of the animal collection and pre-release management, and to ensure
  accurate data (e.g. weigh, behaviours, births, deaths and treatments received) can be input to
  the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).
• Proactively ensure your knowledge of RZSS, our conservation work and species within the
  collection is thorough and up to date, e.g. attending team meetings, accessing team brief.

 What we’re looking for: 

• You’ll have a good level of education at standard grade or equivalent qualifications
  (including English, Mathematics and Sciences)
• First-class customer service, e.g. interpersonal skills and ability to engage with the
  public and visitors
• Can demonstrate an interest in animals with some practical experience in a zoo or
  animal-related environment For further information on what the role involves and
  essential/desirable criteria – please see the ‘related documents’ section under the site
  location map.
• You are hard working individual and a good communicator
• Competent working as part of a team and individually

What you’ll get in return:

• Starting salary between £21,785 – £22,395 (offer based on experience) with future salary
  progression up to £23,134 per annum
• 37.5hr working week annualised
• 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Discount in both retail/catering
• Access to a healthcare plan
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and
  discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of
  other Zoo’s across the UK.

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert
is live; the advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested
candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as quickly as possible.

Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/
desirable criteria.

If you are currently engaged by RZSS (this includes seasonal staff who are currently
undertaking work for us)? Please discuss with your current line manager prior to submitting
your application.