Head Carnivore Keeper – CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND 521 views

Head Carnivore Keeper – CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND

Reports to: Executive Director and General Manager

Job Overview

The applicant will manage the carnivore department under the guidance of the Co-Founder / Executive Director and General Manager. This role involves all aspects of daily husbandry and research within the carnivore department (Cheetahs, African painted dogs and other carnivore species), daily management of staff/interns and working guests and the management of daily operations within the Carnivore department. This role requires a self motivated and approachable individual who is confident and able to demonstrate exceptional animal husbandry and welfare skills.

Responsibility and Duties

• Management and doing in all aspects of daily carnivore husbandry and responsible for the care of all captive carnivores.
• Perform basic veterinary duties such as cleaning of wounds, administering medication, injections and fluid therapy.
• Responsible for carnivore nutrition and ensuring meat stocks are managed effectively.
• Supervise Animal Care Assistant, intern, volunteers and working guests. Implementing proper training and safety protocols. Teaching all interns, volunteers and working guests husbandry techniques and high standards of animal welfare. Perform public presentations, interact with important donors and VIP guests.
• When necessary, attend cheetah pick-ups within Namibia and perform critical care upon arrival. Help coordinate removal/rescue of cheetahs within the country.
• Keep accurate and detailed records on all carnivores (resident and released).
• Responsible for keeping detailed records of the skeleton and other inventories (both physical and computer database).
• Work closely with MEFT to ensure appropriate permits are in place throughout the year and legislation is adhered to for all carnivores.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5yrs experience with cheetahs.
• Minimum 8yrs experience in animal care/husbandry.
• Must have a Degree in animal related studies.
• Must have experience with cheetah in a free contact setting.
• Extensive knowledge of carnivore conservation, more specifically cheetah conservation.
• Extensive and specialist knowledge of cheetah husbandry and care. (Cub rearing experience helpful.)
• Specialist knowledge of African painted dog husbandry and care.
• Experience in managing staff and teaching interns and volunteers.
• Experience with animal training and implementation.
• Basic veterinary knowledge preferable.
• Experience in carnivore nutrition and health care.
• Must be comfortable and confident to give daily educational talks to guests and VIP guests.
• Must be able to manage own time very well, be highly motivated, accurate and efficient under pressure, physically fit, confident and positive.
• First aid trained with humans.
• First aid trained with canine and felines.
• Must be able to drive stick shift.
• Must be incredibly flexible with working hours and days off.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills (must be fluent in written and spoken English).

How To Apply

If you meet the qualifications and wish to apply, forward a .pdf of your CV and a letter explaining your interest to [email protected] . Email applications only: phone/fax/mail applications will be ignored.