Trainee Animal Keeper – Elephant Section

Temporary Position until March 2025

Salary: Up to £26,395.20 Per Annum, Plus Desirable Benefits

On-site accommodation might be available.

Howletts Wild Animal Park is home to the largest breeding herd of elephants in the UK, including three calves. We are undertaking our biggest project to date, relocating our herd of 13 African elephants from our park in Kent to a protected reserve in Kenya.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team on a temporary basis, in preparing the elephants for their move to Africa, which will involve assisting in the crate training of the entire herd, as well as providing first class husbandry to ensure the herd remains in peak health prior to transport.

Who we are looking for:

We are expanding our team to prepare the elephants for their move to Africa. We have an exciting opportunity for someone without any prior experience to learn all aspects of elephant husbandry.

This is a physically demanding, yet extremely rewarding role, which will involve protected contact training of the elephants.

We work in a close-knit team, so the ability to work well with others is essential. Knowledge and experience of animal husbandry and training would be beneficial but are not essential – all necessary training will be provided for the right candidate.

The main qualities we are looking for are:

• A passion for elephants and their welfare.
• A desire to work outdoors, whatever the weather.
• A genuine enthusiasm for physical work – we are looking for a physically fit individual who enjoys a challenge, can work to a set schedule, and likes to see a job done well.
• A full, manual driving license and the ability to quickly learn to drive vehicles such as dumper trucks and tractors/trailers.
• Ability to follow instructions, quickly take on board knowledge and also bring forward new ideas.

Contract details:

The position is a temporary contract until March 2025. Anticipated start date is September 2024.

Working hours are 40 hours per week, generally 8am to 5pm, 5 days a week including weekends and bank holidays. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The location:

Howletts Wild Animal Park is located near Canterbury and set within 90 acres of land. Howletts is home to over 300 rare and endangered species, including Kents only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, and more gorillas, leopards and monkeys than any zoo in the county!

Why you should join us:

As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and roars from our pride of Lions, you will also join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

You can also expect a host of other benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, pro-rata to start date, 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.
• And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 20 August 2024

To Apply: Please email your full C.V. and covering letter to -

recruitment@howlettsandportlympne.co