Senior Park Operative

Job Description: Senior Park Operative

Location: Mountpanther Farm Park, Clough, Co. Down

Reports to: Operations Manager and Managing Director

About Mountpanther Farm Park

Mountpanther Farm Park is a family-run open farm and visitor attraction, home to a wide range of animals — from traditional farm breeds to exotics such as monkeys, lemurs, and wallabies. Located in the countryside near Dundrum, Co. Down, the park attracts families from across Northern Ireland with its hands-on animal experiences, outdoor play areas, and popular seasonal events such as the Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Wonderland.

Working at Mountpanther offers variety, teamwork, and the opportunity to be part of a growing and creative environment where no two days are the same. Our team takes pride in caring for our animals, maintaining beautiful surroundings, and creating unique attractions that visitors remember year after year.

Role Overview

The Senior Park Operative is responsible for the daily care and welfare of all animals, the upkeep and maintenance of enclosures, and ensuring all welfare and maintenance records are accurate and up to date. The role also covers general park maintenance, project work, and support with seasonal events. The ideal candidate will be confident using tools and machinery, capable of working independently, and comfortable outdoors in all weather conditions.

This role also involves visitor-facing work, such as operating the deer safari or supporting the team as a shift supervisor, contributing directly to the visitor experience.

Key Responsibilities

General Park Duties

• Maintain the condition of the site, paths, play areas, fencing, infrastructure, and signage.
• Keep visitor zones and animal enclosures clean, safe, and well-presented.
• Carry out routine safety inspections and complete repairs.
• Assist with seasonal event setups — building props, fencing, grottos, trails, and themed features.
• Operate powered hand tools and machinery.
• Apply pest and weed control measures, including chemical treatments.
• Carry out customer facing roles when required.

Animal Care & Welfare Responsibilities

You will be fully accountable for ensuring that all animals receive high-quality care and that all related maintenance and records are completed correctly. This includes:

• Feeding, cleaning, and completing daily welfare checks for every animal on site.
• Updating digital checklists and resolving or escalating issues promptly.
• Monitoring behaviour and health, reporting concerns immediately.
• Keeping all enclosures safe, secure, clean, and well-maintained.
• Repairing or reporting issues with fencing, gates, water systems, housing, or enrichment areas.
• Maintaining accurate records for welfare, treatments, enclosure maintenance, feed, incidents, and vet notes.
• Assisting with animal transport, movement of supplies, and equipment handling.
• Creating enrichment activities and improving enclosures to support welfare and visitor engagement.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

A Senior Park Operative's day is split between animal care, park maintenance, and visitor-facing responsibilities. While no two days are identical, the general structure is:

Morning (Approx. 2–3 Hours) — Animal Feeding & Welfare Checks

• Feed all animals across the farm, exotics area, reptile room, and walkthroughs.
• Carry out daily welfare checks and update digital records.
• Clean and refresh bedding, water systems, and enclosures where needed.
• Identify and action any maintenance issues such as damaged fencing, housing, enrichment items, or water leaks.

Afternoon

November to April — Maintenance & Infrastructure Work

During the quieter season, most of the day will be focused on maintenance and project work:

• Repair or improve enclosures, play areas, fencing, pathways, and general infrastructure.
• Build or install new features for upcoming seasonal events (e.g. Easter Trail, Christmas Wonderland).
• Undertake jobs such as strimming, painting, fencing, power-washing, building, and equipment repairs.
• Coordinate with management on larger projects and complete tasks independently.

March to October — Visitor-Facing Roles

During the busier visitor season, after morning animal duties you may rotate into visitor-focused roles depending on the rota:

• Deer Safari Operator — driving visitors on the tractor-and-trailer safari.
• Tour Guide — delivering talks or guiding groups on animal care, conservation, and farm operations.
• Shift Supervisor — supporting staff, handling customer queries, and ensuring the day runs smoothly.

Essential Criteria

• Full driving licence and access to a car.
• Proven experience using hand tools and completing maintenance work.
• Strong problem-solving skills and confidence working independently.
• Ability to take initiative and follow tasks through to completion.
• Flexibility to support various duties across the park.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Creative mindset with an interest in enclosure improvements or event setup.
• Ability to use smartphones/computers to complete checklists, records, and order supplies.
• Availability to work shifts, weekends, and evenings when required.

Salary

Salary is negotiable and based on experience.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £28,000.00-£34,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company events
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person