Zoo Jobs: Supervisor - Herpetology Department

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Supervisor - Herpetology Department

Supervisor - Herpetology Department

Job Title: Supervisor

Department: Herpetology

Reporting to: Head of Herpetology Department

Full time / Part-time: Full Time

Permanent / Contract: Permanent

The Role

For its world-renowned Herpetology Department, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is looking for a Supervisor with an understanding of the role and function of a modern zoological collection and in-situ conservation programmes.

§ To support the Department Head in the running of a busy herpetological department, managing the animal collection and contributing to the Trust’s conservation projects as required;

§ To manage and continuously train departmental staff on all husbandry related matters and aid them in their professional development;

§ To manage visiting students and teach practical aspects of animal husbandry and management, instigate research projects and support others conducting research;

§ To ensure that the husbandry of the collection conforms to highest standards of animal welfare and current husbandry knowledge;

§ To deliver public talks, write reports and scientific manuscripts when required;

§ To manage the collection and departmental resources during the absence of the Department Head.

The Candidate will have

§ Strong background in the captive husbandry and breeding of a wide range of herpetological species with a minimum of 5 years’ experience working within zoological collections a necessity;

§ Excellent interpersonal skills and proven experience in effective staff/team management;

§ Master’s degree or equivalent in life sciences, biology, zoology or related field;

§ Outstanding organisational skills with ability to work to deadlines;

§ Wide in-depth knowledge of biology, taxonomy and captive and conservation requirements of the taxa for which the post is responsible;

§ A logical and scientific approach to animal husbandry with very high attention to detail will be expected;

§ Proven exhibit design/theming skills and extensive knowledge of plant care;

§ Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English);

§ Proficiency in delivering presentations and generating written reports;

§ Scientific writing and database skills desirable;

§ Practical experience of reptile and/or amphibian conservation projects and a good understanding of bio-security needs and procedures desirable;

§ A high level of health and fitness as aspects of the job are physically demanding and a willingness to travel.

How to apply