Lvi Keeper

Wild Planet Trust - Paignton Zoo
- South West**Contact**:
**Sector**:

- Animal Care**Type**:

- Paid**Contract type**:

- Full-time**Salary**:

- £21,842.60 - £23,575.50 per annumWild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in south west England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.

Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Almost 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also a botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Keeper to join our LVI team on a 12 month fixed term contract. This is a full time role working 38.75 hours over 5 days over a 7 day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is £20,794.80 - £22,447.10 for a qualified keeper (experience related scale)

**What will this role involve?**

You will be responsible for the hands-on day-to-day husbandry of a large and diverse collection of reptiles amphibians and invertebrates, focusing on animal welfare, bio-security, record keeping and ensuring that exhibits are maintained to the highest standards.

**What skills and experience are required?**

You will have at least 2 years of prior experience working with LVI in a zoological collection or similar establishment. You will have a broad knowledge of herptile husbandry practices and experience in the handling and restraint of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. You will also have experience in the installation of life support systems. You will have good observation skills and attention to detail is essential for the monitoring of animal health and the welfare of the collection as well as a working knowledge of ZIMs and record keeping skills. You must be highly motivated with a positive outlook and the willingness to adapt to an ever changing department. Experience of working with amphibians would be an advantage.

**Benefits of joining our team include**:

- 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Company sick pay
- Branded uniform provided (as required)
- Relevant internal and external training provided
- Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family
- Complimentary tickets
- Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
- Free staff parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to Headspace Premium App