Monday, June 19, 2017

Animal Care Manager



Animal Care Manager
Fota Wildife Park
Republic of Ireland

Fota Wildlife Park, part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, is located on 100 acres at Fota Island 10km east of Cork City and has an annual attendance of 465,000 visitors.

Fota Wildlife Park’s vision is to inspire people to understand and conserve the biodiversity of our natural world. The Park’s core values of conservation, education, research and entertainment have ensured that we are uniquely placed to foster greater public understanding of the threats to plant and animal habitats and decreasing global biodiversity. Fota Wildlife Park has made considerable investment in the past 6 years upgrading its infrastructure and developing 27 acres of additional
land that focuses on Asian animals including Sumatran tiger, Indian rhino and Asiatic lion.

Job Brief – Animal Care Manager
An exciting position has arisen for an Animal Care Manager within Fota Wildlife Park reporting to the Park Director. The objective of the role is to support senior and lead Rangers to carry out day to day animal husbandry in accordance with international best practice. The role will form part of the senior management team and will be responsible for the operational management of animal issues and assist with development and implementation of the expanding Wildlife Park’s strategic needs and goals.

Responsibilities:

  • To work with the Director to implement strategic plans in the animal area including the development of new animal exhibits within a long-term strategic plan of Fota Wildlife Park.
  • To plan and organise all animal collection and movement in accordance with best practice
  • To manage all responsibilities in the context of robust adherence to and compliance with Health and Safety Policies and Procedures with all animal staff and facilities at the Park
  • To implement and develop, in consultation with Park Director and Senior Rangers, a range of animal training and enrichment activities
  • To effectively lead a team of three senior rangers to ensure that day to day animal husbandry duties, including animal observation, health and welfare and ensure that feeding and  cleaningtasks are carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • To liaise with veterinary personnel in relation to animal health and ensure all veterinary recommendations are carried out in an effective manner.
  • To work effectively with other Department Managers especially the Operations Manager to ensure the efficient running and continued development of the wildlife park.
  • To liaise with HR to ensure best practice in recruitment and development of animal care team as well as in the areas of performance management and grievance procedures.
  • To manage the budget for the yearly operation of the Animal Collection and Staff.
  • To ensure that all animal record keeping is effectively maintained and up to date and provide reports to the park director as required
  • To take full responsibility for positive outcomes to welfare audits
  • A 39-hour week applies to the post with a requirement to work one weekend in every five.


Requirements
To be considered for this post the following qualifications and experience is essential:

  • At least a primary but preferably a master’s degree in Animal Science or equivalent in a related discipline
  • A minimum of ten years’ experience, to include management experience in an Animal Collection Role, in a Zoological Park setting or equivalent.
  • Capacity to represent Fota Wildlife Park at national and international level, at conferences, species meetings, forums and at other collections.
  • Competency in customer engagement and interpersonal skills and ability to engage with the press and media.


The successful candidate will also have sufficient experience to demonstrate:

  • An ability to effectively lead and manage an experienced team of Rangers and maintain a positive culture
  • An ability to communicate in a professional manner including good interpersonal skills
  • An ability to plan and organise work activities effectively to deliver positive outcomes
  • An ability to problem solve and make sound and timely decisions
  • A comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety as it applies in a Zoological Setting
  • Proficiency in the use of IT systems including ZIMS
  • A commitment to Continuing Professional Development for self and staff

Experience in the following would be an advantage:

Experience in and/or a qualification in Health & Safety and Project Management would be an advantage

Attractive Salary to include pension and other benefits such as support relocation assistance where relevant

Closing date for applications is: 28th Jul 2017

Apply for this job:
CV and covering letter to be returned via email only to David Casey david@mssirl.com



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

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