Job Overview
Join to apply for the Animal Keeper role at Ards and North Down Borough Council.
Job Title: Animal Keeper
Directorate: Initially Community and Wellbeing, however, may be required to work in any Directorate of the Council
Department: Initially Parks and Cemeteries, however, may be required to work in any Council Department
Location: Ward Park in Bangor and locations throughout the Borough
Reports to: Assistant Area Manager
Salary Scale: Scale 4, SCP 8 - 12
Purpose and Function of the Post
Responsible for the daily care of animals including birds at the Ward Park facility, ensuring their health, safety, and welfare and undertake maintenance duties around the park when required ensuring all areas are well maintained, clean and tidy. Ensure effective communication with site users, other members of the team and line management. Assist in the community development of the Parks and Cemeteries Service through internal and external initiatives that engage Service stakeholders.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
* Responsible for the general welfare and husbandry of animals including the cleaning and inherent safety of enclosures, the preparation and storage of animal food and the feeding and watering of animals.
* Deliver public facing event activities including supervising and working with volunteers, students, researchers.
* Keep a varied, detailed and complete record of all animals including but not limited to daily report sheets, quarantine records and veterinary records.
* Creation and maintenance of an environment that enables animals to behave in a natural and stress-free environment to include allowing them to reproduce and care for their young.
* Ordering and stock maintenance of feedstuffs and other consumables as required and the selection and maintenance of animal accommodation.
* Observation of animals and their behaviour to identify illness or behavioural problems and to act as required. To liaise with management regarding veterinary requirements and inspections. Administer appropriate and relevant drugs and medication for the treatment of animals under suitable veterinary guidance.
* Conducting or organise any required euthanasia in a sensitive, efficient, and humane fashion using physical means or in consultation with a veterinarian and the appropriate disposal of any remains.
* Dealing with requests and queries from the public regarding the animal/bird collections.
* Undertaking of breeding programmes as required including the operation of incubation units.
* Maintenance of ponds and waterways including debris collection.
* Undertake as directed any horticultural and associated maintenance including cleaning duties within all Parks facilities.
* Carry out minor repairs and maintenance on animal enclosures as required until full remedial or other appropriate action can be taken.
* Ensure appropriate use of supplied IT Equipment, mobile phones and associated software.
* Comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council Policies and legal requirement.
* Ensuring safe and proper storage and application of all appropriate chemicals and related substances in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines and CoSHH or other relevant health and safety regulations.
* Responsibility for opening and closing all lockable areas including gates and buildings as directed and act as key holder when required.
* Support the operation and implementation of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) and develop opportunities for contributions to LBAP targets.
* Participate in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of the Service Plans responding to changing trends and stakeholder needs.
* Achieve high standards of personal performance, through meeting agreed personal targets and undertaking planned programmes of professional development.
* Examine opportunities to gain efficiencies and improve effectiveness including collaborative joint working and other innovative approaches to achieve a better public service.
* Undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post.
Post holder must be prepared to work outside normal hours, including weekends and public holidays.
Person Specification
The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process.
Qualifications
ESSENTIAL
* Level 3 or equivalent qualification in a relevant Animal Care subject
DESIRABLE
* 3 GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Science subject at grade A-C
Experience
ESSENTIAL
* Demonstrate at least one years relevant experience in the keeping and care of several different species of animals and birds in a public facing environment.
Key Skills & Abilities
* Caring, compassionate and committed to a high standard of Animal Welfare / Ability to care for animals in ways that minimise fear, pain, stress, and suffering.
* To be a good team worker but able to use own initiative and prioritise tasks and organise time effectively.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills including an understanding and appreciation of the needs of the Public.
* An understanding of the health and safety policies and procedures to ensure that such regulations are applied for members of the public, staff and safeguarding of the animals.
* Computer literacy with the ability to keep electronic records
Other Requirements
* Prepared to work outside normal hours, including weekends and public holidays
* Prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions
* Appointment will be subject to completion of a medical questionnaire including a pre-employment Drugs and Alcohol Screening
Desirable
* A valid driving licence to include categories B or higher.
The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.
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