Saturday, May 31, 2014

EAZA Executive Director



EAZA Executive Director

The Executive Director is responsible for managing the EAZA Executive Office, with responsibility for overseeing all services to members. In addition the Executive Director oversees strategic planning in conjunction with the Executive Committee and Council of the association. Financial planning and reporting is carried out by the Executive Director in conjunction with the association Treasurer. The position of EAZA Executive Director reports to the Chair of the association. Further details are contained in the attachment.

EAZA, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, represents and links more than 345 zoos and aquariums. EAZA assists our members with regard to the care and accommodation of the animals kept in their collections, and additionally facilitates cooperation in our key mission areas of conservation, education and research. Around 140 million visits are made to EAZA member institutions each year. EAZA is a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. With a membership drawn from more than 40 countries, languages and cultures, encompassing municipal zoos, charitable foundations, and private family‐owned operations, EAZA is probably the most complex and certainly the largest professional zoo and aquarium association worldwide. The work of the association is carried out by the staff of the EAZA Executive Office and on a voluntary basis by the members, through the many committees and working groups that work to agreed strategies and action plans.

Interested applicants with the required attributes should send a CV and brief covering letter to: Simon.Tonge@paigntonzoo.org.uk


Application deadline: 12:00 CET on Friday, 13th June 2014.

VACANCY DESCRIPTION





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Position Available at International Centre for Birds of Prey




Position Available

International Centre for Birds of Prey


The new branch of the International Centre for Birds of Prey is looking for an exceptional person to join our team. Duties will include general husbandry of the bird collection; guided tours; school visits; demonstrations using a wide variety of diurnal and nocturnal raptors.
Previous experience is preferable, but not essential. A passion for all birds of prey, not just the falconry species is vital. An ability to speak well to the public is crucial.

Based at Duncombe Park, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5EB

Position is available immediately. Please email jpj@icbp.org




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Associate Veterinarian



Associate Veterinarian
Department: Zoo Vets & Vet Nurse

Australia Zoo is seeking experienced, enthusiastic and motivated Veterinarians with demonstrated Veterinary Zoo and Wildlife experience.

The position of Associate Veterinarian at Australia Zoo requires the provision of veterinary services to our captive animals, and any other duties as requested by senior management. These duties are expected to be performed at a high standard and with a high level of compassion. Animal welfare considerations are paramount in the treatment and veterinary management of patients, and are affected minimally by commercial or financial considerations.

Employed Veterinarians are required to show a high level of professionalism, commitment and dedication to their roles, which may include long hours, after-hours calls, night-time work and weekend/ public holiday work. In return for this commitment the position allows a high degree of professional satisfaction, ability to contribute to an altruistic cause, the opportunity to contribute to field-based projects and research. The Zoo is well equipped and serviced, with an Australia Zoo specific veterinary nurse.

Our patients are generally Australia Zoo captive animals, but can include translocation and other management of wildlife and captive species.
The successful applicant will be required to start August 2014.

General Duties:

• examine and treat sick and injured collection animals using diagnostic tests, medical and surgical procedures
• develop and execute a thorough preventative medicine program, including quarantine protocols
• work with keepers and give advice/direction regarding animal health and care 
• humanely euthanize animals to end pain and suffering or spread of disease 
• advise on feeding and breeding strategies 
• notify authorities of outbreaks of animal diseases and certify animals for exportation 
• assist in public education programs in the promotion and maintenance of the welfare of animals
Essential Criteria:
• Veterinary degree registrable in Queensland
• At least 12 months working with wildlife and exotic species including avian and reptilian species
• Understanding of Zoos and their role in conservation
• Have a current license to use radiation sources (diagnostic veterinary radiography) from Queensland Health
• Obtain at least A,B and H category firearms licenses endorsed for animal control/occupational use from Queensland Police Weapons Licensing Branch.
• Maintain competency in the use of the darting equipment and other firearms. 
• Demonstrate ability to competently and safely work around venomous snakes and other venomous and dangerous wildlife. 
• To be fit, motivated and show good communication/organisational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Hold current manual Driver's Licence
• Available to work weekends, public holidays, and school holiday periods
If you meet the essential criteria above please send your expression of interest to hr@australiazoo.com.au by Thursday 5th June 2014

Apply for this job below. Applications close 5th of June 2014

Here is a checklist of information you will need to have ready before you start to complete the employment application form:
  • Education history
  • Employment history
  • References
  • Any qualifications you may have eg First Aid
  • Any achievements you may like to tell us about
  • your availability (what hours can you work)
  • A resume in .pdf or .doc format
  • Any other info that may support your application
Please allow 20 minutes to complete the application.

Click HERE






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Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Zoo Veterinary Nurse Required


Zoo Veterinary Nurse Required
Sharjah, UAE

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Vet Nurse to join our team. The current team includes one Veterinarian, one Veterinary Administrator/Research Scientist and one Veterinary Nurse, with recruitment of additional team members underway.

The Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) is one of four facilities which make up the Sharjah Desert Park; there is also a Natural History & Botanical Museum, a Children’s Farm and Arabia’s Wildlife Centre. The main focuses of the centre are conservation and research of fauna endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, with a particular focus on captive breeding, husbandry and population management. We have a collection of approximately 5,000 animals, ranging from rodents, reptiles and aquatic specimens to large carnivores and hoof stock (both wild and domestic) and a growing collection of raptors and wader birds.  The veterinary department is responsible for the well-being of all animals at the Sharjah Desert Park, the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre and other facilities are in the planning stages.

You will be expected to be highly skilled and dedicated in order to assist the veterinary team in moving forward and managing the healthcare of this growing collection. Responsibilities include dealing with first opinion cases, preventative medicine, nursing, quarantine, stock control, processing in-house laboratory samples, and record keeping.

Essential requirements:
Internationally recognised Veterinary Nursing certificate with a minimum of three years’ recent, full-time veterinary nursing experience, preferably with some exotic animal experience.
Expertise and interest in laboratory work.
Confident in animal handling.
Ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
High level of organisational and time management skills.
Ability to work under pressure and deal with stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
A highly motivated, adaptable and dynamic individual with maturity and who is passionate about what they do.

We offer a full-time, permanent position. The hours are 7am-1pm and 3pm-6pm, Sunday to Thursday with a share of weekend duties and after hours work as required. We offer a competitive salary, partially furnished, on-site accommodation, and basic medical insurance.

To apply; please send a CV and motivation letter to Dr. Kat Whitehouse-Tedd, Veterinary Administrator and Research Scientist, by email to katherine.whitehousetedd@bceaw.ae or fax: +971 (0)6 531 1156.








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Saturday, May 24, 2014

Head of Conservation Science




Head of Conservation Science
Salary £35,000 negotiable (dependent upon experience)


The Bristol Zoological Society (BZS) operates one of the UK’s leading zoos, is involved with over one hundred co-ordinated breeding programmes for threatened animal species, runs a comprehensive research and conservation programme and has recently opened the Wild Place Project, another conservation-led visitor attraction.

BZS has a vacancy for the position of Head of Conservation Science, to lead its growing team of Higher Education & Research Officers and develop and implement a proactive research strategy and programme in collaboration with the Director of Conservation.  The other important elements of this very broad role are the continued drive and focus on the Society’s Higher Education provision and its behaviour change programme in collaboration with the Head of Learning.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is an inspiring team leader and team player with a PhD in a biological or related science, preferably in a subject relevant to zoos and wildlife conservation.  Proven experience and a good working academic knowledge of wildlife ecology, conservation science, sustainable development, statistical methods, particularly as applied to small sample sizes, and at least one discipline relevant to zoo animal research is required.

The role is full time, 37.5 hours per week; you will also be required to work any extra hours necessary to satisfy the role.  Please visit our website www.bristolzoo.org.uk for a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification.

To apply for this position, please send a covering letter, full CV and list of your academic publications to HR Department Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA or email hr@bristolzoo.org.uk Please clearly mark your application ‘HCS application’. 
The closing date for applications is 3.00 pm on Thursday 19th June 2014.  First Stage Interviews will be held on Wednesday 2nd July 2014, and if you are successful, there will be a Second Stage process on Tuesday 8th July 2014.


The Society is only able to accept applications from those eligible to work in the UK. 

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Friday, May 23, 2014

Qualified Veterinary Nurse/Technician







Animals Asia Foundation’s Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre requires a Qualified Veterinary Nurse/Technician

Do you enjoy a challenge, and are you dedicated to animal welfare?  We are looking for a qualified nurse to join our veterinary team at Animals Asia’s bear rescue centre in Tam Dao National Park, Vietnam.
                       
This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated individual pursuing a career in wildlife care and animal welfare. The Veterinary Nurse will work as part of a small, dedicated veterinary team to ensure the care of Asiatic black bears (moon bears), Malayan sun bears, and domestic animals at our rescue centre. Appointment is full-time, five (5) days a week plus scheduled weekend work. Out of hours work may be required.

Candidates should be highly motivated with plenty of initiative and should be comfortable with both clinical and non-clinical work. There is a high degree of autonomy in this position, and while you will work closely with other team members, you will have distinct areas of responsibility. You will be expected to have a high degree of clinical skill and a passion for ongoing self-education. Experience in captive wildlife management or rehabilitation work is preferred and senior nursing and administrative experience is beneficial but not essential. You should be comfortable living and working in a remote environment within a small community.

Formal veterinary nursing qualifications are essential for this position. Ideally you should have between three (3) and five (5) years work experience in a large mixed veterinary practice, wildlife rehabilitation centre, zoo or specialist referral center. However, less experienced candidates with the appropriate personal attributes will be considered. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, and good humour and common sense are required.  Applicants must be able to commit for a minimum of two (2) years.


BENEFITS CONSIST OF:
v  On site accommodation
v  Relocation assistance
v  Emergency medical insurance
v  Paid holidays


HOW TO APPLY:

Please forward your cover letter (stating the position “Vietnam Veterinary Nurse” applied for), CV with your current and expected salary, and completed Job Application form to:  hrhkg@animalsasia.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.  

Closing date for application is 22 June 2014.


We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.  Personal data collected will be treated in strict confidence and used solely for recruitment purposes.


Zoo Education Assistant



Zoo Education Assistant

We are looking for a confident, enthusiastic Education Assistant to design and deliver high-quality, positive and engaging communications on conservation and biodiversity issues for all ages - to enable audiences to understand why biodiversity matters, improve their understanding of the role of environmental parks in conservation and motivate and empower them to take action to conserve biodiversity.

The successful candidate will design and deliver presentations and activities for all visitors, adjusting to specific audience needs; supervise presenters; lead delivery of out of school hours activities including clubs and summer schools; assist Education Officers in the delivery of school sessions; design and produce resource materials and written information; and evaluate and modify presentations and activities.

Applicants should possess GCSE Science and/or Geography and an A-level or equivalent in a relevant discipline.   Additionally, you will require a relevant science communication/education qualification or equivalent experience and will be able to demonstrate experience of designing and delivering public presentations and activities, co-ordinating events and writing and creating resource materials and interpretation.  You will also have demonstrable enthusiasm for communicating conservation and biodiversity issues and experience of working with children and adults of all ages and abilities. 

This is a part-time post for 30 hours per week, including occasional weekends and Bank Holidays for which time off in lieu is arranged.  Salary £16,984 pro rata.

For further details please contact Michelle Youd, Education Office Supervisor, Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU. Telephone: 0844 474 2224 Email: education@paigntonzoo.org.uk   quoting EDU10

Closing date for applications Wednesday 4th June 2014.  Interviews Thursday 12th June 2014.


Monday, May 19, 2014

Lecturers in Animal Science




Peripatetic Lecturers in Animal Science
£18,523 to £33,231 plus £1,871 LW

Our client is looking to recruit Peripatetic Lecturers in Animal Science. Vacancies are full time and peripatetic between centres primarily based at Crystal Palace and/or Gunnersbury Park.

About the College

Capel Manor College in Greater London, is a vocational college delivering courses in Arboriculture and Countryside, Animal Care and Saddlery, Floristry and Balloon Artistry, Garden Design and Horticulture.

Key Duties:

•        Delivering and co-ordinating the assessment of a range of subjects related to Animal Science and GCE science subjects to appropriate examination body standards, including both centre- and work-based learning.  Competence in the care and management of a wide range of animal species would be an advantage. 
•        Acting as a Course Manager including minuting of meetings, carrying out tutorials with students, recording results and providing management information.
•        Providing specialist advice relating to animal care activities and developments.
•        Contributing to management of delegated budgets in accordance with College polices and procedures.
•        Supporting curriculum planning, development and support within the School.
•        Researching and the production of course materials.
•        Taking shared responsibility for health and welfare of the College’s animal stock, including contribution to weekend, holiday and emergency cover rotas as required.
•        Liaising with animal care workers, other technicians and internal staff with regard to the provision of practical student activities.

For a comprehensive list of duties, please refer to the College Job Description.

Essential Criteria:

•        HND, degree or similar in a science or animal related discipline.
•        Teaching qualification (support will be given to gain accreditation.)
•        Commitment to and enthusiasm for the teaching and guidance of students at all levels.
•        Effective communication/organisation skills and ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
•        Sound administrative skills.
•        Familiarity with Information Learning Technology applications.
•        To be able to instruct and assess practical skills.

Start date: ASAP
Closing date:  04.06.14

These posts are subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and barring list check as it is within regulated activity due to Capel Manor College being defined as a ‘specified place’.

Capel Manor College aims to employ a workforce which reflects the community it serves. Therefore applications from minority groups are welcomed. The College is a Two Ticks Employer (Positive About Disabled People) and therefore where applicants indicate they have a disability and meet the essential criteria in the person specification, they will be short-listed for interview.

Capel Manor College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

It is anticipated that candidates who progress from the application stage will be asked to attend the College for an interview within three weeks of the closing date. Therefore, if you do not hear from the College within that time you may assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

To apply, in the first instance, please send a copy of your CV along with covering letter to: Capel@r21education.co.uk 

Please note, if you are successful in the selection process you will be required to complete a College application form before the advertised close date. A CV will not be accepted on its own.




Manager Life Sciences



Manager Life Sciences
Werribee Open Range Zoo

Full time
Working Monday to Friday

Would you like to be part of achieving the vision to be the world's leading zoo-based conservation organisation?  Is helping to recover species like the Eastern Barred Bandicoot and Orange-bellied Parrot important to you? Zoos Victoria is seeking a Life Science Manager (LSM) within the Life Science Department at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Accountable to the General Manager of Life Sciences, the LSM leads and manages an animal husbandry team. If you are interested in working in a close-knit team looking after the operations of the Life Sciences Department while having direct accountability for the leadership of the team, this could be the opportunity for you.

Zoos Victoria is seeking an individual who:

• Possess a high level of management and leadership experience.
• Excellent people skills.
• Can work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Will be a positive change agent with the ability to inspire and motivate staff, develop and implement innovative programs, including training and enthuse staff to embrace new approaches.
• Will support the development of their team to ensure our vision to be the world's leading zoo-based conservation organisation is realised.

The selection criteria is included in the attached position description.

Please submit a maximum 2-page cover letter, and resume by clicking on the"Apply"link below.

For further information, contact Russel Traher, General Manager Life Sciences Werribee Open Range Zoo; (03) 9731-9641.

Location        Melbourne
Work Type:        Full Time
Applications Close On:        29/05/2014  23:59


Click HERE to apply




Sunday, May 18, 2014

BIG CAT AND SOUTH AMERICA SECTION INTERN


BIG CAT AND SOUTH AMERICA SECTION INTERN



Noah's Ark Zoo Farm has an opening on its Big Cat and South America section for an animal keeper intern. The position provides a unique learning opportunity in which an intern has the chance to work with our collection of big cats and South American animals.

The apprenticeship lasts one year and is paid at £100 per week. Each intern is given the opportunity to work towards an NVQ to provide written qualifications, which support the practical learning undertaken.

A normal working week will be 5 days 8am to 5pm, most weekends and bank holidays included.

Due to the nature of this position applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a full UK driving licence.

Interested parties should send CV's and a covering letter to Chris Wilkinson, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, BS481PG.

Your covering letter should include:

Why you are interested in this opportunity at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm?
Contact details for the applicant including an email address.
What skills, knowledge and previous experience you have to make you a good candidate for this position.
Some of your interests in and outside of work.

Applications must also include contact details for two referees including phone numbers.


All applications must be received by 31st May 2014.


Friday, May 16, 2014

Animal Collections Manager




Peripatetic Animal Collections Manager
£25,485 to £27,843 plus £1,737.50 LW

Our client is looking to recruit a full time Peripatetic Animal Collections Manager who will be working at Crystal Palace Park (average 2 days per week), Enfield (average 2 days per week) and Gunnersbury Park (average 1 day per week).

About the College

Capel Manor College in Greater London, is a vocational college delivering courses in Arboriculture and Countryside, Animal Care and Saddlery, Floristry and Balloon Artistry, Garden Design and Horticulture.

Key Duties:

•        Monitoring of animal husbandry practices across all sites. Peripatetic, working at Crystal Palace Park (average 2 days per week), Enfield (average 2 days per week) and Gunnersbury Park (average 1 day per week).
•        Planning schemes of work and staff practical rotas. Production of course materials, assessment books and schedules for practical assessments across all courses.
•        Delivering and assessing (to the appropriate examination body standards) a range of subjects related to Practical Animal Husbandry and Science. 
•        Line managing Practical Instructors / Technicians at each centre.
•        Arranging regular meetings with practical staff and providing feedback at team meetings.
•        Co-ordinating animal management plans across all centres, implementing and monitoring procedures and animal records / systems to comply with the Secretary of State Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.
•        Continuing to develop in liaison with the Animal Care Management Team a rationale for the animal resources, their husbandry and management, including sourcing new animal stock, co-ordinating breeding plans, sales of animals, movement of stock across sites and the maintenance of animal documents in accordance with DEFRA, Soil Association, Rural Payments Agency and Natural England regulations.
•        Liaising with external bodies and organisations in connection with resource management and licensing. Developing and maintaining links with other collections and organisations.
•        Ensuring that all requirements and regulations relating to health and safety are adhered to at all times.  Responsible for ensuring that the health and safety of students and visitors is maintained whilst in contact with animal resources.
•        Co-ordinating the supply of essential husbandry resources, feed orders and deliveries across centres.
•        Co-ordinating veterinary visits and maintaining animal welfare codes.
•        Maintaining professional knowledge of current legislation and practices relating to animal care and welfare.
For a comprehensive list of duties, please refer to the College Job Description.

Essential Criteria:

•        Professional qualification in an animal discipline, preferably HND, Degree or equivalent.
•        Experience of planning/managing the husbandry of a variety of animal species.
•        Experience in managing resources including staffing and budgets.
•        Experience of taking a lead on Health and Safety compliance.
•        A commitment to and enthusiasm for the teaching and guidance of students at all levels.
•        A commitment to animal welfare.
•        Ability to plan and organise self and others.
•        Effective communication skills.
•        Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.
•        Good team leadership skills.
•        Ability to work on own initiative within agreed strategic guidelines.
•        IT competent.

Start date: ASAP
Closing date:  02.06.14

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and barring list check as it is within regulated activity due to Capel Manor College being defined as a ‘specified place’.

Capel Manor College aims to employ a workforce which reflects the community it serves. Therefore applications from minority groups are welcomed. The College is a Two Ticks Employer (Positive About Disabled People) and therefore where applicants indicate they have a disability and meet the essential criteria in the person specification, they will be short-listed for interview.

Capel Manor College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

It is anticipated that candidates who progress from the application stage will be asked to attend the College for an interview within three weeks of the closing date. Therefore, if you do not hear from the College within that time you may assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

To apply, in the first instance, please send a copy of your CV along with covering letter to: Capel@r21education.co.uk 

Please note, if you are successful in the selection process you will be required to complete a College application form before the advertised close date. A CV will not be accepted on its own.




Experienced Animal Keeper



Experienced Animal Keeper – Full time Position
Location:   Highland Wildlife Park
Salary:       Competitive
About Us
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park.  Both parks are premier visitor attractions, offering visitors a fantastic day out.  Of equal importance is our excellent international reputation for our conservation and education programmes and we are looking to the future with confidence.  We’ve been a charity since our founding in 1909 and maintain a keen commercial edge to ensure we can sustain our excellent reputation.  Our mission is to connect people with nature and safeguard species from extinction. 

Experienced Animal Keeper – Full Time Position
A vacancy has arisen for an experienced Animal Keeper to work within the Living Collections Department at the Highland Wildlife Park, specifically on the animal section where the stock is predominantly carnivores, including polar bear, Amur tiger, wolverine, red panda, European wolf and Scottish wildcat.  Working on this section, it is essential that the successful candidate has carnivore or other high security mammal species experience and it is strongly preferred that they will have passed the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals or an equivalent zoo biology focused qualification.  Experience of working with old world primates and birds would also be beneficial. The successful candidate will be expected to care for all the species on the section and supervise junior members of staff and assist with our resident keeper volunteer programme, under the supervision of the section’s senior keeper and head keeper.

 About You
To operate effectively in this role, practical experience in a zoo environment is essential and experience of working with a range of wild animal species desirable. You must also have up-to-date knowledge and understanding of zoo legislation and best practice, along with a sound basis of practical knowledge and skills about good zoo animal management. You must hold a full driving license and if the successful candidate is not formally qualified, you must be willing to acquire the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals.

Working hours are 37.5 hours per week (annualized figure) and the post involves weekend and occasional evening work.

Salary range for this post will be £15,000 - £17895 dependant on qualifications and experience

Closing Date: 26 May 2014.

For full information on how to apply, please visit the Highland Wildlife Park vacancy page http://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/working-with-us and follow the instructions.

Registered charity number: SC004064


Thursday, May 15, 2014

Vacancy for Giant Panda Keeper




Vacancy for Giant Panda Keeper

Would you love nothing more than spending the next 365 days in the company of 200 pound furry black and white animals whose favorite food is bamboo?
If so, you may be in luck.
China’s Giant Panda Protection and Research Center in Ya’an, Sichuan province just announced a competition for a one-year job as a “Panda Caretaker.”
The lucky winner will spend a year learning how to prepare panda food like the legendary “panda bread,” help researchers take care of old and disabled pandas and participate in ongoing scientific research on giant pandas, including those still in the wild.
Other perks of the top job? A salary of $32,000, free room and board, and an SUV at your disposal. Eight runners-up will win a three-day trip to panda-watch at the reserve.
"Many people at our center do the same job, but the salary was never that high," Heng Yi, a publicity official at the panda center told China’s state newspaper, China Daily.
The ideal candidate should be at least 22 years old, in good physical condition and willing to do rigorous activity, according to the rules on China’s popular web portal, Sohu, which is sponsoring the competition,
Naturally, a deep love and some general knowledge of giant pandas is a must.
“We want to let more and more people know about the giant panda and how its conservation and research work on a day-to-day basis,” Yang Hua, a competition director from Sohu told NBC News. “We also wanted more everyday people participating directly in the conservation and research process.”
Besides looking after pandas, the winner would be asked to help write articles about his or her experience at the reserve and snap photos of their cuddly charges.
Sohu compared the panda keeper job to the “Best Job in the World” campaign in Australia –calling it the "Chinese version of a caretaker of an island on the Great Barrier Reef.
This is not the first time that China has recruited “Pambassadors” to help raise awareness about endangered creatures -- In 2010 American Ashley Roberton flew to Chengdu and won a similar competition that allowed her to work closely with giant pandas.
The competition will run from May 8th through July 15th.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/china/chinese-panda-sanctuary-search-panda-caretaker-n106181