Qualified Aquarist/ Animal Keeper

Country UK City London Category Animal - Zoology Closing Date 06/06/2023 Level Qualified Keeper Position Type Full-Time / Permanent Advertised Salary £30,169 including enhancements Enhancements London Weighting, Weekend Enhancement Overview We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
Our Invertebrates and Fish team manage a unique range of species, drawing on our history as the first UK collection which dedicated buildings purely for the display of invertebrate species and the first modern aquarium. Following a redevelopment in 2021, we now hold the UK’s largest Coral exhibit tank maintaining a wide array of invertebrate and fish species. Role Profile ZSL is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic aquarist to join our Invertebrates and Fish team. The role will focus on the day-to-day husbandry and development of our extensive coral collection and freshwater aquatics alongside also supporting the husbandry for the range of terrestrial species under our care. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high standards of animal welfare and husbandry, respecting the importance of daily observations, communication and record keeping. Applicants must have a passion for working with marine invertebrates and fish and be willing to take on new information and techniques as they are developed. Applicants must also be keen to engage the public in conversations around the importance of invertebrate and lower vertebrate species. Working hours are 37.5 per week, worked within a roster which includes regular weekends so flexibility regarding hours is crucial. Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Observe the behaviour, health and security of animals and report any problems to the Team Leader or manager including defects or repairs required to enclosures and relevant departments required to support work needed.
• Cleaning and maintaining aquatic facilities and other designated areas.
• Preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
• Maintaining set water quality parameters and dosing to maintain nutrient levels.
• Undertake regular snorkel dives in our large reef exhibit to support tank cleaning and general management.
• Record keeping via a Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), including personal relevant observations of animal behaviour, health, and welfare.
• Work with senior keepers, ensuring that conditions for animals are suitable and in line with current best practice for welfare, group size and population management.
• Communicate with all areas of the zoo to ensure the animals and wider exhibit remain in the best condition.
• Setup of animal training programmes and maintain existing ones.
• Ensure positive visitor experiences by good customer service and professional visitor engagement.

Person Specification

• A Pass in the Keeper and Aquarist Apprentice programme, DMZAA or a BSc degree in marine biology or another zoological/ecological subject.
• Strong taxonomic knowledge on marine aquatic species, preferably focussing on coral forms.
• Broad taxonomic knowledge on a range of species managed within zoological collections.
• A good knowledge of the evolving husbandry management within zoological collections.
• Be a positive influence on the section and work well in a team environment.
• An understanding of the importance of population management and how that affects invertebrate and fish species, including the value of genetic diversity and the consequences of hybridisation.
• Knowledge of life support systems, temperature ranges and UK requirements for specific species.
• To be able to use industry recognised techniques to handle section specific animals should catch ups or veterinary procedures require it.
• An understanding of the conservation, research, and educational role of ex situ populations.

What do we offer?
You will have access to a blended program of Wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program as well as regular webinars and activities around mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. The opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to improving diversity and inclusion.
Other benefits include 25 days holiday, life assurance, stakeholder pension (ZSL will also match further contributions you may choose to make up to a further 5% - limited to 12% employer contributions), complimentary zoo tickets with a 30% discount in ZSL’s shops and online, subsidised canteen, enhanced paternity and maternity leave, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership and access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities.
Ultimately, you’ll know that you’ll help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct. To Apply

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds.

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please contact recruitment@zsl.org

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) on Tuesday 6th June 2023

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.