Animal Keeper

The animal keeper role is a great opportunity to utilise and expand your existing experience caring for a variety of animal species. You'll be responsible for the daily preparation of animal diets, feeding and enclosure management, as well as animal observation and contributing to our programme of 'Meet the Penguins' and other animal experiences. We encourage continuing professional development and involvement in conservation both within and outside of the zoo., To provide a high standard of animal husbandry and care within the Wildlife World zoo.

Responsibilities

• To assist the Head Keeper during the movement of livestock and when undertaking animal health checks. This may require animal restraint and handling.



• To undertake the daily cleaning of all enclosures and maintenance of ponds.



• To undertake food preparation and be familiar with animal food preparation and hygiene methods, that may include strictly controlled specialised dietary requirements.



• To assist any improvements required in the facilities at Lotherton Wildlife World, including participation in interior landscaping.



• To assist, where appropriate, the Head Keeper in the provision of guided educational tours for visiting school parties and small parties.



• To assist in the training of placement students and volunteers in accordance with the Climate Energy and Greenspaces Training and Development plan.



• To comply with the Health & 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 other duties as may be commensurate with the post and grade.



• To ensure that Climate Energy & Greenspaces Safety Policy and relevant Safe Working Practices are adhered to.



• To undertake any training as is deemed necessary for the post., Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.


• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.


• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.


• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.


• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.


• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.


• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.


• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
  
  As an animal keeper you will bring to the role:



• NVQ level 2 in Animal Care or equivalent


• Experience of working within a zoo environment


• Ability to prepare diets and feed animals


• Ability to clean and manage enclosures


• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels and work effectively as part of a team., NVQ 2 in Animal Care or equivalent


Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.


• Experience of working within a zoo environment


• Ability to prepare diets and feed animals


• Ability to clean and manage enclosures


• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels and work effectively as part of a team.


• Excellent time management and organisational skills.


• Ability to undertake physically demanding work in all weather conditions.


• Experience in complying with health and safety requirements.


Essential Behavioural and other Characteristics


• Ability to work on own initiative.


• Excellent interpersonal skills


• Ability to work effectively with a team.


• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.


• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon


• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies., Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.


• Experience of working with birds


• Experience of operating filtration systems


• Experience of working with multiple mammal species
  
  As an animal keeper you'll thrive on contributing to caring for animals in the collection and promoting education, conservation and welfare in a busy zoo. Wildlife World offers the opportunity to work with a variety of animal species and the opportunity to share your knowledge and enthusiasm through public displays and talks.


Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.


• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays


• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions


• flexible working arrangements subject to service requirements



• continuing professional development opportunities


• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further