Conservation Keeper

1. Duties

Working closely with the other Conservation Keeper, you will have responsibility for the day to day husbandry of Wildwood’s captive water vole population, dormice, water shrews and other small rodents. You will maintain the welfare and well-being of the animals; monitor their health and behaviour and improve their enclosures to provide behavioural enrichment. You will take instruction from the Conservation Project Officer and Director of Conservation, working to their priorities to achieve the best animal welfare within the resources we have.

1.1. Looking after the Wildwood’s Conservation Collection

This will encompass:

• Daily livestock checks
• Daily food and water changes, including food preparation
• Cleaning, maintaining and repairing outdoor enclosures and indoor cages
• Catching and handling animals, sexing and weighing
• Separating litters after breeding
• Providing regular behavioural enrichment
• Keeping conservation yard and all work areas maintained and tidy
• Keeping daily animal records complete and up-to-date using record keeping systems and suggesting ways to improve existing systems
• Liaise with vet to ensure best care of animals within the conservation department and providing animal treatments as instructed by the vet

1.2. Enclosure maintenance

You will be responsible for the day to day maintenance of enclosures, using small tools and undertaking general DIY functions ensuring proper storage of equipment.

1.3. Meeting Zoo Legislation

You will familiarise yourself and adhere to all Zoo licensing standards as outlined in the Secretary of States Modern Zoo Licensing Standards and adhere to all health and safety protocols and hygiene regulations as directed, including quarantine practice.

1.4. Health and Safety

You will be required to support your line manager to ensure that Wildwood’s health and safety arrangements are as effective, consistent and well documented as possible. You will be required to complete Risk Assessments, contribute to the maintenance of Health and Safety of volunteers; ensure volunteers follow Health and Safety guidance.

1.5 Customer Care and Animal talks

Assist with visitor and student talks and animal experiences as required. Support positive visitor experiences by answering questions in a friendly and helpful manner.

3. Employment Package

• Normal working hours on average 38 hours per week, five days per week (usually Sunday and Monday) 8.00am to 4.00pm in winter and 8.00am to 5.00pm in summer with a lunch break and coffee break, each of 30 minutes, each day.
• Due to the nature of the work you will be required to work bank holidays, some evenings and occasional weekday cover as required. Overtime is not usually paid, but time may be taken off in lieu. The holiday allowance is 30 days per year pro rata. This includes statutory holidays.
• Appointments are subject to confirmation after a six month probation period. Wildwood offer a company pension scheme.