Aquarist Keeper at Johannesburg City Parks

Job Purpose:
Manages animal husbandry and welfare for allocated section and strives towards conservation of the species; maintains the quality of exhibit/ enclosure; supervises and performs the maintenance of the enclosure; conducts accurate observation and record keeping of the animals; and ensures hygiene standards of section are upheld.

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma in Zoology, Marine Biology or related qualification
• Valid diving certificate
• 3 years of experience working with aquatic exhibits or as an aquarist

Key Performance Areas:

• Assists in the development and implementation of the collection plan, animal acquisition, and disposition of animals including participation in breeding programs
• Identifies surplus animals within subsection that may have to be moved
• Implements and adheres to collection management policies, processes and procedures
• Develops animal husbandry manual for subsection and updates on an annual basis
• Assists in subsection planning on a regular basis, as problems arise, or in advance of anticipated needs, Performs night duties and irregular shifts when required
• Directs efforts to manage and maintain the subsection according to standards and regulations of other organisations aligned with JCPZ
• Ensures effective control of assets and costs within subsection
• Directs and implements exhibition/ enclosure renovation
• Initiates procurement process of material and/or equipment necessary for the maintenance of the enclosure in conjunction with superiors
• Supervises Animal Attendants in the day-to-day care of animals within subsection
• Cares for and trains (where applicable) animals within subsection on a day-to-day basis
• Verifies animals are fed accordingly and may take on feeding duties as well
• May assist with nutritional evaluation of the diets of the species within subsection
• Ensures that the animals in subsection are content and healthy at all times
• Performs hand rearing of newborn animals if and when required
• Identifies and reports any abnormal behaviour of incidents to curator and to the veterinarian on duty and regularly updates and implement the records
• Identifies and collects suitable browse for the species of animal within allocated section
• Assists in the application of animal treatments under the instruction of the veterinarian/ nurses (e.g. medical treatments, pest treatments, etc.)
• Collects samples as required and administers medication as required
• Assists with any emergencies within capacity , Performs capture operations and transportation ofanimals, Operates and maintains life support system or water bodies
• Ensures pest control in subsection in conjunction with curator and the pest control officer
• Aids in developing and implements policies and procedures governing the maintenance of enclosures
• Supervises and assists with the maintenance of the enclosure, i.e. cleaning of enclosure as well as equipment and tools
• Carries out water tests to maintain optimal water quality, monitors trends and manipulates water chemistry as necessary
• Ensures signage for enclosure is kept clean, neat and relevant
• Monitors electrical equipment ensuring that they are in good working condition daily
• Monitors, prevents and reacts to possible holes or gaps in enclosures
• Ensures enclosures are safe, secure and clean (will clean as necessary to provide safe and clean environment to animals at all times)
• Monitors if animals are properly numbered and identified
• Conducts animal census daily of the animals on within allocated section
• Conducts daily animal observation with respect to general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent, records observations and reports any abnormal behaviour or incidents to supervisor immediately
• Ensures recording of all animal movements on the observation sheet, namely:
  • Feeding times, Food consumed, Waste observations, Births/ deaths
  • Behavioural changes (including reproductive behaviours)Temperature of enclosure (if required)
• Ensures all record keeping and reporting procedures are complied with:
  • Updates animal husbandry manual on an annual basis,Manages studbook as per international
  • standards and Ensures compliance with audits (Inventories, Census, ARKS, asset register)
  • Reports on the condition, educational value and accuracy of the signage about animals
  •  Ensures alignment to all national, provincial and local regulations in relations to permits to keep or move animals
• Ensures compliance with mandatory requirements and all applicable international and bilateral agreements, Assists during tender process for animals, Produces sectional report on a monthly basis, Reports on special projects and produces ad hoc reports, Reports on budget expenditure on a monthly basis, Produces incidents reports
• Plans and implements behavioural enrichment for the animals within section according to international standards in conjunction with the Curator, the Veterinarian and the Enrichment Officer, Directs and participates in the construction of enrichment structures
• May provide food to animal in a manner that caters to sensory enrichment needs
• Participates in the design of the enclosure, Plans, participates and presents in educational, commercial and promotional activities when required, Actively participates in conservation and research projects
• Participates in public relations activities and media liaison (demonstration, newspaper articles, TV interviews and volunteers)
• May be asked to participate in conferences regarding specific categories of animals specific Johannesburg Zoo animals
• Networks and establishes good relationships with organisations and individuals within relevant fields
• Activities may include, but are not limited to: tagging of animals and assisting in the transportation process of animals
• Ensures compliance with provincial, governmental and international laws concerning the keeping, transporting and relocating animals
• Adheres to national and international animal health and welfare legislation
• Works within World Association of Zoos & Aquaria (WAZA) and Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA) guidelines
• Works within Animal Keepers Association Africa (AKAA) guidelines
• Supervises day to day time and attendance of staff and escalate to managers where necessary
• Supervises the performance, grievance and disciplinary issues of staff, escalating to managers where necessary
• Manages the budget and expenditure within the sub-section
• Ensures internal controls, processes, procedures and quality standards are adhered to by the staff and Contributes to team effectiveness and team cohesion
• Holds team members accountable for individual performance (against agreed and expected deliverables)
• Prepares for, and participates in, regular performance reviews (quarterly or as determined by the organisation)
• Creates an enabling and supportive environment for the individual team members
• Strives to improve cooperation and interaction between individuals in order to improve overall performance of the team and Clearly outlines expected deliverables and measures
• Discusses deliverables, measures and targets with superior
• Actively participates and manages own performance levels by participating in regular one-on-one meetings with superior to discuss progress of individual areas of accountability
• Actively seeks coaching or advice when necessary
• Strives to improve own knowledge as it relates to the role
• Discusses and implements personal development plan (aligned to career path)
• Attends agreed courses, professional development to achieve optimal job performance and career goals
• Respond politely to public enquires if received and refers to manager when necessary
• Implements and monitors JCPZ safety, health, environmental and security policies and procedures
• Ensures Department is in line with the SHEQ policies and procedures of JCPZ
• Adheres strictly to safe diving practices
• Implements identified risk mitigation measures within training sessions
• Trains staff on the operational procedures (SHEQ & EMS) compliance of Department through policy and procedure adherence

Skills and Knowledge:

• Veterinary medicine and surgery for fish, amphibian, reptiles, avian and exotic mammals
• JCPZ policy and procedure framework ,JCPZ mandate, strategy and stakeholder analysis
• Knowledge of animal husbandry and enrichment, Knowledge and application of legal requirements for industry, Knowledge and application of SHEQ standards and requirements
• Knowledge of internal and external environment Knowledge of diving standards and procedures and alignment with JCPZ values
• Problem solving, communication skills, pkanning & organising, computer literacy
• Record writing & keeping, physical fitness, swimming, diving, interpersonal skills, teamwork
• Results driven, flexible, resilience, leadership skills, creative, innovative, self driven