About Us
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.
How You’ll Contribute To Our Mission
With direction from your Team Leader, you will supervise delivery of the day‑to‑day operations of the allocated animal section and all related animal projects while aiming to optimise the quality of animal welfare and visitor experience, and to deliver or support delivery of all aspects of an innovative and engaging programme of live animal interactive activities.
Responsibilities
- Supervise all aspects of the day‑to‑day operation of the allocated animal section, e.g. rota management, staff development and signing off completed sections.
- 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, and supervise maintenance, enrichment and habitat furnishing to ensure it meets all the needs of the animal and is presentable to the public, e.g. positive visitor engagement and suggest ideas for development to team manager.
- Engage with and support visitors, ensuring your message is consistent with team objectives and in line with RZSS’ mission and vision whilst providing first‑class customer care and service, e.g. answering visitor queries and undertaking public talks, tours and experiences.
- Ensure you and your team collate and record detailed and accurate animal records in relation to the good management of the animals including enrichment and training plans, and to ensure accurate data (e.g. weights, behaviours, births, deaths and treatments received) can be input to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) or other relevant databases. When needed may provide additional support to other colleagues/teams including the assessment or analysis of e.g ZIMS or field data.
- Supervise, motivate, develop and review team members, following good management practice and working within HR policy guidelines, so their performance meets or exceeds the agreed performance standards.
Qualifications
- Professional qualification meeting the requirements of the European Professional Zookeepers Qualification Framework (zookeepers.eu/framework/), e.g. Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), or equivalent qualifications and experience.
- Knowledge and understanding of zoological legislation and best practice.
- Knowledge and skills of good animal management.
- Working knowledge of ZIMS and other zoo‑related management systems is desirable.
- Competence in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Benefits
- Starting pro‑rated salary of £29,131 or £29,859 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £32,469 per annum.
- 37.5‑hour working week (may require some weekend working).
- 34 days annual leave (pro‑rated).
- Discount in retail and catering.
- Access to a healthcare plan.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24‑hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, well‑being and family advice.
- Employer contributory pension scheme.
- Staff membership giving free (and discounted) entry to the Highland Wildlife Park, Edinburgh Zoo and other zoos in the UK.
This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including right to work in the UK and a Basic Disclosure check.
Shortlisting and interviews will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.
We are an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…