We have a fantastic opportunity for a suitably skilled person to join our dedicated Exotic Species animal keeping team in a Senior Animal Keeper role. We are seeking to employ an experienced senior exotic animal keeper with demonstrated supervisory skills. You will need to be a highly driven and energetic individual with a passion for wildlife/animal care and public education.The ideal applicant will possess the following skills and attributes: A minimum of seven years animal husbandry experience in a modern zoo setting, working across a broad range of taxa.A qualification in zoo keeping (or similar) would be considered an advantage.Proven ability to supervise and train other keeping staff.Experience in nutritional planning, breeding plan implementation, animal introductions and/ or exhibit design.A mature attitude, a team player with a positive outlook and have an ability to build quality internal relationships across all staff teams.Experience in completing quarantines for new and/or sick animals according to requirements would be considered an advantage.Good communication, with a professional approach to visitors.A background in training/conditioning animals is desirable.High level of physical fitness (heavy lifting will be required).Good practical and maintenance skills, e.g. exhibit maintenance, fence maintenance, electric fence repairs, etc. Duties will include: Training and supervision of other animal keepers and work experience students.Providing daily care and welfare to a variety of animals.Setting the work standard, being able to work with minimal supervision.Involvement in zoo-based breeding programmes.Be familiar with all safety procedures and equipment, along with ensuring all such procedures are followed at all times.Implementing behavioural enrichment programmes including training and conditioning animals for health checks.Conducting fun, informative presentations to educate visitors on the plight of exotic fauna.Animal observations and record keeping.Maintaining animal enclosures and exhibits.Implementing the organisation's Health and Safety and Safe Operating Procedures. The working week for the position is to be determined and will involve working full time, 40 hours per week. This work roster may include working one or both weekend days. Hours of work are 8:30am to 5:00pm. The salary for the position will be negotiated with the successful applicant in the range from $58,000 up to a maximum of $62,000 per annum. Salary will be in accordance with skills and experience. A non-taxable allowance of $18 per week will be paid to cover provision of footwear and a basic tool kit (a list of what is required will be provided). A full uniform will be supplied and must be worn at all times and kept in a clean and presentable condition. Please complete our official and return to us by 5pm, Monday 15th April by either email or posting to: Manager of Exotic Species, Orana Wildlife Park, PO Box 5130, Christchurch 8542. We will review applications as they are received. General Information about the Position:Four weeks' annual holidays will be awarded per annum. No overtime is payable unless rostered to work on a Statutory Holiday where time and a half will be paid. You will be required to work all statutory holidays that fall on your rostered days. An additional 12 days of holidays per annum will be awarded to you in lieu of working on these days. The successful applicant will be required to produce evidence they have been vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B and have received a Tetanus booster within the last 10 years. This evidence is required prior to commencing employment. An offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory results from a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.Your own reliable vehicle for travelling to and from work is required as no public transport is available. A full driver's licence is required as the successful applicant will drive Park vehicles within the public area of the Park as part of their normal duties.It will be considered an advantage for the successful applicant to hold a firearms licence and have experience in the use of firearms.
