Job title: HWP Animal Keeper
JOB PROFILE
Who we are
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), a charity founded in 1909, owns and
manages Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park. The Zoo is the most popular
paying visitor attraction in Scotland after Edinburgh Castle, offering an excellent day out
to more than 650,000 visitors annually, and has an international reputation for its
conservation and education programmes. The Highland Wildlife Park is a premier visitor
attraction featuring Scottish and other species, some now extinct in the wild.
Mission statement
Our mission is to inspire and excite our visitors with the wonder of living animals, and so
to promote the conservation of threatened species and habitats.
1. JOB DESCRIPTION
Job purpose
To perform all duties involved ensuring the smooth running of the Animal Collection at
Highland Wildlife Park, aiming to optimise, where necessary in conjunction with other
departments, the quality of animal welfare and visitor experience. As a member of the
Animal Collection Team, contribute to the development of the Society in achieving its
Mission and Aims.
Reporting to
HWP Head Keeper (through HWP Senior Animal Keeper)
Responsibilities
Key activity 1
Contribute as appropriate to the level of your job to implementation of strategic plans
and policies of the Society. Recommend to the HWP Head Keeper, senior managers
and the Society cost-effective opportunities to minimise the impact of its operations on
the environment.
Key activity 2
Perform all aspects of a wide range of practical management tasks in the day to day
operation of the Animal Department. This includes vermin control, animal management
and presentation (including liasing with veterinary staff) and the visitor interface with
animals.
Key activity 3
Develop a greater depth of knowledge in specific activities and/or take charge of the
animal collection in the absence of more senior Keepers. Assist to co-ordinate all
activities that interface with other departments relevant to your area of responsibility.
Key activity 4
Relevant to your area of responsibility within the Animal Department, contribute to
ensuring that animal welfare and management at Highland Wildlife Park is of the highest
standard in line with the Annual Business Plan, relevant legislation and good practice in
animal management. Assist to create, within available resources, in conjunction with the
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Property & Estates Department, the best possible living and viewing environments for
animal presentation.
Key activity 5
Check on the safe condition of animal enclosures and ensure that all items requiring
maintenance are reported as set out in the relevant procedures, carrying out some
repairs as appropriate. Patrol the property to ensure the security of the Park at the end
of the day as required.
Key activity 6
Contribute as appropriate to the level of your job to the development of integrated
management in the Society by good management of staff in line with the Society’s HR
policies and guidance, with emphasis on developing their potential through delegation
and training. Assist as required with training Keepers and other staff.
Key activity 7
Ensure compliance as appropriate to your level of responsibility with relevant health &
safety and equality of opportunity legislation and best practice as set out in the Society’s
H&S and HR policies and guidance.
Key activity 8
Perform other duties as reasonably directed by the HWP Head Keeper or other member
of the Animal Management Team.
Key activity 9
Demonstrate commitment to continuous personal development.
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Job title: HWP Animal Keeper
2. PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications, training and relevant experience
Zoo Animal Management Certificate, or equivalent qualification or experience at SVQ 3
or equivalent level.
At least 2 years practical experience in a zoo or animal-related environment.
Experience of practically managing a range of animal taxon groups desirable.
Competencies
Technical competencies
Full UK driving licence.
Up-to-date basic knowledge and understanding of zoo legislation and best practice.
Sound basis of practical knowledge and skills about good animal management including
dietary knowledge.
Management competencies
Ability to work efficiently and effectively in the use of human and material resources.
Good communication skills.
Personal qualities
Enthusiastic, energetic, results oriented, co-operative.
Able to apply a constructive and sympathetic approach to facilitating work within teams.
Demonstrate a positive, customer-focused and team-working approach to work.
Special requirements
Physically capable of instructing by practical demonstration.
Organisational culture
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is committed to having an enterprising culture
which is commercially successful through providing a world class visitor experience with
high standards and excellent service, and is well positioned to access income/funding
streams arising as a result of its conservation aims. The post holder will share this
commitment to achieve these objectives.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland strives to be an equal opportunities employer,
and is an Investor in People
Note: this job profile is intended as an outline of the responsibilities and qualities required for the post and
does not form part of terms and conditions of employment
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