Animal Assistant

**Posted**:02/05/2023 16:00**Start Date**:Not Available**Salary**:£22,872 per annum (£23,333 after probation)**Location**:Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill**Level**:Entry Level**Deadline**:22/05/2023 10:00**Hours**:35.00**Benefits**:See "Working for us" on the Home menu**Job Type**:Full time**Job title and reference: Animal Assistant (ref: CCE9.23)**

**Salary: £22,872 per annum (£23,333 after probation)**

**Contract: Permanent**

**Hours of work: Full** time, 35 hour week** **on a rolling rota which includes shift work between 8.00am - 5.30pm and weekends**_ _**

The Horniman Museum and Gardens in south east London has been open since Victorian times, when the tea trader and philanthropist, Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to the local community. Since then, our collection has grown significantly and includes internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as an acclaimed aquarium and natural history gallery - all surrounded by 16 acres of beautiful Gardens offering breath taking views across London.

The Animal Walk & Butterfly house further brings to life founder Frederick Horniman’s vision of an outside space reflecting the Museum’s collections. The Animal Walk is home to alpacas, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits and chickens. Both the Animal Walk & Butterfly House guides visitors on a walk through the centre for a close up view of the animals.

We are looking for an Animal Assistant to assist the Animal Manager in the day-to-day running of the Animal Walk & Butterfly House. You’ll have a BTEC in Animal Management (or equivalent) and genuine flair and enthusiasm for animal care.

You will have had hands-on experience of caring for animals (ideally in a city farm/wildlife centre/zoo environment), and will be used to interacting with the public in a busy and popular attraction - you’ll be able to inform and enthuse visitors of all ages about the animals in your care. You’ll be able to work in all aspects of running the Animal Walk & Butterfly House (animal care, maintenance, record-keeping, plant propagation and care) and willing to work outside all year round in all weathers.

**How to Apply**

**P**lease provide an overview of no more than 2 pages describing your experience relevant to the role as outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification.**

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

**Job title** Animal Assistant

**Section** Animal Walk/Butterfly House

**Reports to** Animal Manager

**Responsible for** No responsibility for staff

**Hours of work **35 hours per week on a rolling rota

**Main purpose of the job**

To assist with the care, wellbeing and development of the Horniman Animal Walk and Butterfly House stock. To liaise with colleagues in the Aquarium, Gardens and Learning teams on the operational workings of the Animal Walk and Butterfly House and in their interpretation to the public.

**Section description**

The Animal Walk was opened in 2013. It is open from 12.30pm-4.00pm, and is the home to alpacas, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and more, the Animal Walk guides visitors on a walk through the centre for a close up view of the animals. The Butterfly House opened in July 2017 and is open to the public from 10.30am-4pm each day.

The living collections brings to life founder Frederick Horniman’s vision of an outside space reflecting the Museum’s Natural History collections.

**Main responsibilities**

**Animal Care (85%)**
- Assist the Animal Manager with all aspects of the management of the Animal Walk and Butterfly House livestock in accordance with standards set by the Horniman.
- Provide for the wellbeing of the stock ensuring that they are well cared for and safe, ensuring that hygiene standards are maintained.
- Assist with plant propagation to meet the needs of the Butterfly House
- Assist the Animal Manager in ensuring records are maintained.
- Assist the Animal Manager in the upkeep and development of the enclosures and Butterfly House.
- To lift and carry feed and stock as required.

**Public Communication (10%)**
- Provide polite and knowledgeable customer service to visitors of the Animal Walk and Butterfly House, as requested.
- Participate in public programmes including animal feeding sessions

**Apprentices and Volunteers (5%)**
- Support the Horniman’s volunteers programmes as required

**General responsibilities**
- Act in a professional manner and uphold the Horniman’s Code of Conduct
- Follow and promote safe systems of work and observe health and safety regulations
- Operate within the guidelines set by the Zoo licence and Museums ethical review committee
- Drive the Gator to unload deliveries and empty the bins
- Drive the Horniman vehicles for vet visits as required
- Any other duties that may be required to ensure the effective running of the Animal Walk

Job activities may vary and evolve over time to meet business needs.

**PERSON SPE