Keeper (Pachyderms) at Johannesburg City Parks

JOB PURPOSE:

• Manage animal husbandry and welfare for allocated section and strive towards conservation of the species; maintain the quality of exhibit/ enclosure and maintenance thereof. Conduct accurate observation and record keeping of the animals and ensure hygiene standards of the section are upheld.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:  

• Assist in the development and implementation of the collection plan, animal acquisition and disposition of animals including participation in breeding programs  Identify surplus animals within subsection that may be moved to Conservation and Protected Areas
•  Implement and adhere to collection management policies, processes and procedures  Develop and update animal husbandry manual  Assist in subsection planning; manage and maintain according to JCPZ standards and regulations
• Ensure effective control of assets and costs within subsection  Direct and implement exhibition/ enclosure renovation  Initiate procurement process of material and/or equipment necessary for the maintenance of the enclosure  Supervise team in the daily care of animals  Care for and train animals within subsection  
• Verify food is prepared as per diet sheet and animals fed accordingly  Assist with nutritional evaluation of the animals diets; ensure that animals are content and healthy  
• Perform hand rearing of new-born animals  Perform night duties and irregular shifts when required  Identify and report any abnormal behaviour of incidents to Curator and Veterinarian  Identify and collect suitable browse for the species of animal
•  Assist in the application of animal treatments under the instruction of the Veterinarian/ Nurses  Collect faecal samples and administer of medication  
• Assist with any emergencies within capacity  Perform capture operations and transportation of animals  Handle animals and assist in restraining/ controlling problem animals
•  Ensure pest control in conjunction with Curator and the pest control officer  Operate and maintain life support system or water bodies  Aid in developing and implement policies and procedures governing the maintenance of enclosures  Carry out water tests to maintain optimal water quality
•  Ensure signage for enclosure is kept clean, neat and relevant  Monitor electric fences; prevent and react to possible holes to prevent animal escape  
• Ensure enclosures are safe, secure and clean  Monitor if cages and animals are properly numbered and identified  Assist in daily animal census  Conduct daily animal observation of general physical condition, signs of illness, disease and discontent, record observations and report any abnormal behaviour or incidents to supervisor immediately  
• Assist with recording of all animal movements (feeding times; food consumed; faecal observation; births/ deaths; behavioural changes/ reproductive behaviours; temperature of enclosure)
•  Ensure all record keeping and reporting procedures are complied with animal husbandry manual; studbook; audits (Inventories, Census, ARKS, asset register); condition, educational value and accuracy of the animals signage; alignment to all regulations in relations to permits to keep or move animals  
• Report on section’s special projects; budget expenditure and incidents  Assist in the enrichment of animals lives  Assist in animal research and education awareness initiatives  Activities may include capturing of game and escaped animals; tagging and herding of animals  Assist in the transportation process of animals
•  Ensure compliance with provincial, governmental and international laws concerning the keeping, transporting and relocating animals  Work within World Association of Zoos & Aquaria (WAZA); Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA) and Animal Keepers Association Africa (AKAA) guidelines  Execute supervisory responsibilities and optimise individual and team performance  Participate and manage own performance levels
•  Ensure regular one-on-one meetings to discuss progress of areas of accountability  Attend agreed courses/ programmes as per the role  Respond politely to public enquiries and refer to Manager if necessary  Implement and monitor JCPZ safety, health, environmental and security policies and procedures
•  Ensure Department adheres to JCPZ SHEQ policies and procedures  Implement identified risk mitigation measures within training sessions.  Zoo operates throughout the year and employees will be expected to work over the weekends. 

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:  

• Diploma/ Degree in Nature Conservation or relevant NQF level 6 qualification  
• Training in the handling and usage of guns (gun licence preferred)  Course on disease identification and monitoring  
• Minimum 3 years in animal husbandry or related conservation field  Experience in animal training and animal recording on ISIS.