Animal Attendant: Reptile Park

The National Zoological Garden (NZG) is a rapidly transforming facility and is part of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). It has an impressive animal collection, one breeding centre as well as a wildlife research centre. The NZG is well placed as an education and awareness platform for visitors comprising of educators, learners, students, special interest groups and the general public. The following challenging opportunity is in a process of being filled:

The National Zoological Garden is looking for well-qualified, experienced, hard-working, enthusiastic and motivated person to be appointed as Animal Attendant: Reptile Park. 

The successful applicant will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Assist with the husbandry of venomous and non-venomous reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates
• Enclosure decoration
• Enrichment and behavioural conditioning of Animals
• Cleaning and feeding
• Pest control
• Assist with the implementation of conservation projects.
• Administration and record keeping
• Provide or assist with public education
• Handle venomous snakes and arachnids
• Breeding of feeder animals
• Water testing

Minimum requirements: 

• Grade 12
• 6 to 12 months experience working with herps (reptiles and amphibians) in a captive wildlife (ex situ) environment
• Valid driver’s license
• Attendance of a recognised Venomous Snake Handling course will be an advantage.

Key competencies:  

• Passion for Reptiles, Amphibians and Arachnids
• Knowledge of reptile, amphibian and invertebrate husbandry
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to do physical labour and work outdoors in inclement weather
• Basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Office).

Successful applicant must be prepared to undergo testing for allergies and TB and also vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and other needed vaccinations. A positive test will not preclude employment at the NZG. 

Interested applicants are requested to send applications () to the address below. Short-listed candidates who are invited to an interview will be expected to demonstrate proof of the above key competencies and minimum requirements. 

Please do not apply online for this position. Applications should be forwarded to: nzg.recruitment@sanbi.org.za with the subject: Animal Attendant - Reptile Park.

The National Zoological Gardens, South African National Biodiversity Institute is committed to employment equity and redress. The NZG reserves the right not to fill this position. Should you not hear from us within 30 days from the closing date consider your application as being unsuccessful. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.

Enquiries:
Lefa Maremagae
Human Resource Practitioner
Tel.: 012 339 2700