As a member of the animal care team, you will:

• lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest and committed when interacting with one another and guests.
• show kindness, consideration and empathy for animals, always looking for ways to improve on their care and welfare and to ensure that set standards are met.
• serve as the designated team lead as required by Director of Animal Care & Veterinary Services.
• act as a resource and mentor for Entry Level Keepers, Keeper 1’s, Keeper 2’s, Keeper 3’s and Senior Keepers.
• monitor all individuals in the collection daily, reporting any abnormalities to the Director.
• provide for the needs of all animals in the bird, mammal, and reptile collection by performing habitat and off-show cleaning and maintenance, diet preparation, feeding, training and enrichment.
• prepare and continually enhance animal areas for aesthetic, reproductive, behaviour, and animal safety (i.e., perching material, nest boxes, “furniture”, live or artificial plants, etc).
• assist the Director in setting and maintaining high standards of animal husbandry and welfare.
• assist the veterinarian team in the diagnosis, treatment, and extended care of sick or injured animals, or hand-rearing animals, including the administration of medication, physical therapy, and daily care including normal feeding and cleaning routines.
• maintain accurate records pertinent to animal history, health, medical procedures, breeding, diet, water quality analysis, training activities and behaviour and utilise record information for management activities.
• capture, or assist in the capture, and restraint of any zoo animal for the purposes of diagnosis of illness, administration of medication, confinement for transportation, or the movement of animals between enclosures.
• work with Education and Research team in the implementation of education and research programs involving the animal collection.
• if needed, engage with the public to prevent undue harassment or injury to animals and to ensure the safety of the public, answering questions from the public about the animals.
• assist the Director in preparing staff rotas and holiday calendars.
• guide, monitor and train less knowledgeable employees, through: scheduling and assigning work; reviewing and checking work; giving guidance on work processes; recommending areas for employee skills improvement; and providing input to employee performance evaluation process.
• assist the Director to review and manage staff performance and development as needed.
• instigate and manage disciplinary procedures as required by the Director with support from Head of Compliance and Resources.
• attend formal and informal training as required, and assist the Director in identifying additional training for professional development.
• maintain and develop excellent knowledge of species-specific enrichment and training protocols.
• maintain and develop knowledge of research and conservation initiatives in other zoological facilities.
• assist the Director in ensuring safe working procedures and staff training are correctly documented, audited and updated as necessary.
• continually monitor, evaluate and advise the Director of working practices to ensure they are safe for personnel and animals alike.
• comply with all health and safety requirements as per Dartmoor Zoo’s health and safety manual, security directives, policies and standard operating procedures.
• participate in and help prepare for zoo license inspections and other audits as required.
• assist the Director in maintaining departmental policies and learn and maintain other relevant zoo policies.
• contribute to systems (such as species planning and ethics).
• work closely with the Director to develop a collection plan that meets the Charity’s objectives.
• plan for and prepare regular welfare audits along with the Director.
• plan for and attend regular firearms training, and participate in escape drills as needed.
• respond to and assist the Director, or the designated Duty Head of Department, in guiding the resolution of emergency situations within the zoo.
• undertake regular one to one update meetings with the Director.
• prepare for and attend regular department meetings and undertake agreed actions.
• deputise for the Director in the Heads of Department meetings when required.
• report, prioritise and arrange maintenance of exhibits as necessary.
• assist the Director in reviewing, planning, and executing enclosure design alterations and assist with new builds.
• assist in supporting pest control efforts by informing appropriate staff of any areas of concern.
• present daily shows and presentations for the public as needed.
• participate in Dartmoor Zoo related education, public relations and membership programs including facility tours and lectures as needed.
• at the direction of the Director, interact with and respond to public/media requests for information.
• maintain discretion with confidential information.
• perform other related duties as assigned.