Zoo Supervisor

Chessington World of Adventures
- Chessington**Contact**:
**Sector**:

- Animal Care**Type**:

- Paid**Contract type**:

- Full-time**Salary**:

- £24,000-£26,000**Zoo Supervisor**

**Location**: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Surrey, KT9 2NE
**Hours**:Full time, permanent, working 5 days out of 7, averaging 40 hours per week. Shifts are usually 8:30am - 4:30pm but flexibility is required. Availability to work weekends is essential.

**Benefits**: Competitive annual salary of £24,000-£26,000, discount on our animal VIP experiences and Go Ape course, discounts on our Hotels and a Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world.

With our Theme Park, Zoo, spectacular Hotels & Glamping as well as our Go Ape courses there are plenty of ROARingly exciting career paths available. We're also a part of the Merlin Entertainments family - associated with attractions like SEA LIFE, LEGOLAND Parks, Madame Tussauds and More

We're currently looking for a Supervisor to join our Animal Presentations team at Britain’s Wildest Adventure

**About the Role**

This exciting role will require you to manage the animal training and presentations programme specialising in sealions and birds and focuses on the delivery of daily demonstrations, talks and VIP experiences.

The position works closely with the Zoo Collections Manager and a team of around eight direct reports with a strong emphasis on animal welfare, husbandry, training and the development of new guest experiences.

The position would suit someone with strong and positive leadership and coaching skills, proven positive reinforcement training experience and evidence of the ability to establish new behaviours is essential.

Reporting into the Zoo Collections Manager you will manage and promote the compliance of and adherence to all relevant Health & Safety Procedures and Protocols in line with legal and company requirements, including the Zoo Licence and the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice (and/or any future succeeding guidance and legislation), all whilst supporting the broader Resort Operation in the delivery of the company’s business objectives.

**What we’re looking for**
- Proven ability to lead a team with drive and passion.
- Sound experience in the husbandry and management of pinnipeds and birds.
- Thorough knowledge of nutrition and food stock management.
- Ability to objectively observe animals, to keep a diligent daily record and liaise coherently with the veterinary team.
- Demonstrable positive reinforcement training skills.
- Ability to develop engaging and educational animal demonstrations.
- Excellent public speaking skills and showmanship.
- Able to stay focused and in control when faced with challenges
- 5 years plus of relevant experience in the zoo industry.
- Solid background of Health & Safety knowledge and crucial Zoo Legislation

**What’s on offer?**
- A competitive annual salary of £24,000 - £26,000
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
- Company bonus
- Private pension scheme
- 40% discount online off LEGO
- 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Plus many more

**_Everyone Matters at Merlin_**
- At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry._