Ungulate Keeper - 1.0FTE

at  The Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc

Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity that exists to save species from extinction and connect people with nature. As one of the largest open range zoos in the world, spanning more than 1,500 hectares of fauna and flora, we’re excited to be expanding Monarto Safari Park, the largest safari park that will exist outside of Africa.
Complete with a first-of-its-kind luxury resort and glamping facilities, by 2024 Monarto Safari Park will offer longer visits and a range of new and wild safari experiences in an area known as Wild Africa including incredible tours through herds of roaming animals and a huge walk-through lemur habitat.

The team at Monarto Safari Park are looking for an experienced and committed keeper to join the Ungulate section in a permanent full-time capacity (1.0FTE). This role will work within the Wild Africa Development as it expands in the coming year, as well as the current ungulate rounds of Monarto Safari Park. Shift start and finish time will vary in line with the operational developments of the Wild Africa habitats. Hours will vary between 6am and 8pm, across a 7-day roster. The successful candidate will be required to manage and work with large herds of ungulates in an open range setting. Including giraffe, zebra, eland, American bison, rhino, and other deer and antelope species.
Monarto Safari Park is the world’s largest open-range safari park, where large herds of animals co-exist together in very large habitats. As such, the successful candidate will be required to work out in the field for extended periods, inside the habitats of the animals they will be caring for. The successful candidate will be required to exercise excellent safety and awareness skills in these environments, and be able to observe, feed and manage several different species which share the same space.
This role is responsible for the daily husbandry aspects of a range of ungulate rounds and the successful candidate must be motivated, organised, have great time management and show a desire to encourage this section to strive for corporate goals and objectives. Whilst the role is currently required to work across the ungulate section, the successful candidate may be required to work in other sections of the Life Sciences department, should operational needs require it.
There is opportunity for further roles to become available within the Life Sciences department as a result of this appointment, as well as further casual positions available post contract. Please advise in your application if you would like to be considered for potential future roles.

As part of our Life Sciences team, day-to-day tasks may include:

• Obtaining, preparing and providing food to animals in accordance with established diets, feeding schedules and procedures.
• Cleaning food and water vessels, holding areas, exhibits and food preparation and storage areas to required standards, ensure animal areas are maintained free of debris and hazardous materials.
• Providing animals with items required to meet their behavioural requirements
• Observing and reporting on animal behaviour and changes to the condition of animals.
• Maintaining diaries and animal records and report matters of interest to the Senior Keeper.
• Participating in the implementation and monitoring of behavioural enrichment and training and conditioning programs to affect animal behaviour and allow routine examinations and procedures without distress
• Undertaking formal presentations and ‘Keeper Talks’ responding to questions, whilst presenting to public groups as well as the media.
• Working consistently in accordance with established safety procedures to ensure animal security, personal safety, protection of co-workers and the public.
• Working in line with relevant Policy and Procedures/Standard Operating Procedures and providing feedback and proactive suggestions for change as required.