Committed To Conservation
 

Duty Animal Manager
 
Howletts Wild Animal Park, situated near Canterbury in Kent, is part of a charity based organisation committed to protecting rare and endangered animals from extinction through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes.

We are proud to be the home of one of the world’s most prized wild animal collections. We house many rare and endangered species and have had significant success in captive breeding of many of our species.

The Role

The job role requires the job holder to perform as a duty manager in the Animal Director’s absence. This is a highly responsible front line role dealing with both routine and unforeseen circumstances as they arise through out the park. This can be anything from dealing with visitor queries and complaints, to orchestrating animal escape procedures and organising emergency repairs to systems ranging from computer software to animal cold stores. This requires an individual who “can think on their feet” and react appropriately to a board range of issues that effect the smooth running of the park.

Reporting to the Animal Director your duties will also include: General secretarial duties for the Animal Director, (typing, filing, diary etc), organizing appointments and travel, dealing with queries and complaints from the public both by telephone and face to face, liaison with external bodies, (e.g. local government, DEFRA, RSPCA, and other animal collections), liaison with animal keepers in person and by two–way radio, placing orders and tracking invoices and accounts.

The Person

Ideally we are looking for someone with an animal or conservation background who has had some exposure in a zoo (or similar) environment. The candidate must have excellent inter-personal skills, they must be accurate in written work with good attention to detail, possess excellent organisational skills, be computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint. A valid driving licence is essential.  
 
Working Hours 

40 hours a week worked over 10 days in every two week period. Your hours will require you to work every second weekend e.g. Week 1 = 6 days, Week 2 =4 days on a rotating basis.  

To Apply

Please send a CV and cover letter stating the job applied for to: The HR Manager, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Port Lympne, Nr Hythe Kent. CT21 4PD. Or e-mail: personnel@howletts.net 

Closing date: 30th April 2010