Elephant Project Manager – Franklin Zoo & Wildlife Sanctuary, New Zealand .
This is unique opportunity to manage and lead a very exciting project – the relocation of Mila, a 39- year-old female ex-circus African elephant, from Franklin Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary in the North Island of New Zealand to an elephant sanctuary in the United States of America
Mila is the only elephant at Franklin Zoo, and has been rehabilitating here for the last two and a half years, to get her into a physical condition for transport overseas and a new life with other elephants. It is now time to prepare her for her big move to a new home.
The person in this role will be responsible for:
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Managing all elephant facilities and equipment at Franklin Zoo.
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Managing and leading the day-to-day care of Mila – this will include active physical involvement in the daily husbandry routine.
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Leading and training the small team of elephant keepers in the Protected Contact management of elephants.
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Developing the Protected Contact management programme for Mila to prepare her for her move (including training for routine husbandry, medical testing, crate familiarisation etc.)
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Liaising with, and visiting the prospective new homes for Mila in the U.S.A.
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Engaging and working with external consultants and contractors required for the relocation
project
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Overseeing the design and construction of a transportation crate.
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Organising and planning all aspects of the transportation from New Zealand U.S.A.
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Accompanying Mila during the international move
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Settling her into her new home in the U.S.A.
What the successful candidate will require:
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A minimum of 5 years elephant management experience
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Experience of managing elephants in a Protected Contact programme
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Experience in leading, training and developing a team of keepers
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Ideally have experience in the movement/transportation of elephants
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Ideally have experience in dealing with the press and media
What we are offering:
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An initial twelve month contract (the minimum anticipated length of the relocation project), which depending on the progress of the relocation will then subsequently be extended on a rolling month by month basis.
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A competitive salary, which recognises the experience, skill and responsibility of this role.
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A relocation package to New Zealand
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A negotiable accommodation allowance
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A negotiable travel allowance
Applications against the requirements of the position together with a current CV should be
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