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SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE (SANBI)
 
ANIMAL ATTENDANT: LARGE MAMMALS
 
Closes: Sunday, 23 June 2019
Location: Pretoria
Job type: One year contract
 
 
The National Zoological Garden (NZG) is a rapidly transforming facility reporting to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). It has an impressive animal collection, a 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 the 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: Large Mammals.
 
Amongst others, the successful applicant will be expected to perform the following duties:
  • Assist with the husbandry of antelopes and other large mammals including okapi, white rhinoceros and various antelope species
  • Monitoring of animal health and behaviour

  • Provide proper enrichment for animals in the section
  • Behavioural conditioning of animals
  • Assist with clearing of weeds and alien invasive plant control in the enclosures
  • Cleaning of enclosures and feeding of animals in the section
  • Assist with monitoring and application of pest control
  • Assist with public engagement activities
  • Assist with the development and implementation of conservation projects.
  • Assist in animal stock taking
  • Administration and record keeping
  • Participate in game capture
  • Perform weekend duty as per rotational roster
 
Minimum requirements 
  • Grade 12
  • 6 – 12 months’ work experience in ex situ Animal Conservation field working with birds
  • Computer literate
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Passion for animals, especially large mammals
  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • Knowledge of captive animal husbandry and animal welfare principles
  • Ability to work in a team and independently
  • Ability to do physical labour  and work outdoors in inclement weather
 
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.
 

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This position will seek to provide representivity and address the imbalance of the past. Interested parties are requested to send applications (with a cover letter, full CV and certified copies of qualifications) to the email 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.                        
 
Applications should be forwarded to: nzg.recruitment@sanbi.org.za with the subject: Animal Attendant: Large Mammals.
 
 The National Zoological Garden, 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 Tel.: 012 339 2700

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