Closing date: Tuesday 1st October 2024
Salary: Up to £27,248.00 Per Annum DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits
Onsite accommodation may be available dependant on occupancy
Full Time, Permanent Position
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join our team of dedicated large carnivore keepers. As part of the large carnivore team, you will be responsible for looking after our Amur Tigers, Amur leopards, Brown bears, Andean bears, African lions, African painted dogs, Southern cheetah, Maned wolves and European Grey wolves.
As an experienced Keeper, you will undertake all duties on the section from general husbandry including cleaning and feeding as well as enclosure maintenance, gardening, butchery and record keeping. You will help train and provide guidance to interns, volunteers and assisting with the development of any trainee keepers. Conservation education plays a big role in the park so you will also be expected to lead talks and animal encounters to the public.
Who are we looking for:
The ideal candidate will ideally have at least 5 years’ experience as a Keeper, which must include working with Carnivores. You will possess good all-round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of all the carnivore species on the section. You will have awareness of current conservation issues, alongside the ability to confidently interact with the public.
This is a physically demanding position so candidates must have a good level of physical fitness. A full valid driving licence is essential. Gun licence, Trailer driving, strimmer experience and other machinery use would be advantageous. Holding a recognised Animal Management qualification and be confident around all types of carnivores with a hands-on approach to the restraint and handling of animals where necessary.
Contract details:
This is a permanent position. The position is full time, working 40 hours per week, worked five days out of seven and will include weekends and bank holidays. A flexible approach to working hours is essential in any animal job. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location.
The location:
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.
Why you should join us:
We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.
Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.
You can also expect a host of other roarsome benefits including:
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service.
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning.
- Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
- Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
- Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
- Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
- Company Pension
- And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.
To apply: Please email your C.V. and covering letter to recruitment@howlettsandportlympne.com
