Coordinator Outreach and Animal Trainer, Division of Conservation Development, Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Al Ain Wildlife Park (AWPR) first developed as Al Ain Zoo in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan is being redeveloped by the Abu Dhabi government as an expanded 900 hectare integrated biodiversity institution and resort. The new park will feature extensive exhibits of arid land biodiversity including five World Desert Habitats illustrating the animals, plants, landscapes and cultures of specific desert ecoregions, the Oasis Gardens, five Safaris exhibiting the landscapes and large mammals of five specific deserts. Phase 1 will open in November 2015 and will include the opening of the African World Desert based on the Samburu Region of Northern Kenya. The new Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is a new world class museum exhibiting the geology, culture and biodiversity of the United Arab Emirates and is a tribute to the environmental heritage of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The project has a strong conservation foundation with ongoing ex situ and in-country biodiversity projects in Arabia and NE Africa and developing partnerships with zoos, botanic gardens and cultural institutions. The current zoo site is being redeveloped as a new Conservation Breeding Centre dedicated to conservation and research. The project is being developed using the Abu Dhabi government’s sustainability guidelines (ESTIDAMA) and is committed to inspiring guests and visitors through creating an extraordinary set of landscape experiences and biodiversity encounters. AWPR is an integral part of the government of Abu Dhabi’s tourist infrastructure and a key component in the nation’s strategy of developing knowledge based economy. AWPR isa member of WAZA and is working towards full compliance with EAZA standards and policies.
AWPR is seeking a Coordinator Outreach and Animal Trainer to enhance integrity of different functions within assigned area. It is also required to enhance proper planning and budgeting process for the department. Coordinators role is also aiming to standardize work procedures and policies among different functions within assigned area. The Coordinator performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects Al Ain Zoo’s mission and vision of connecting people to wildlife, conservation. The Coordinator is responsible for and oversees all aspects of the safe care and handling of an assigned animal collection; contributes to collection strategic planning. This position will participate in preparation of the departmental annual work plans and budget as well as policies relevant to the assigned area of work.
The CoordinatorOutreach and Animal Trainerreports to the Manager of Animal Collections and will be responsible for
(1) Evaluates, adjusts and coordinates husbandry standards and techniques applied to an assigned animal collection according to a zoo master plan,
(2) Plans, oversees, directs implementation and coordination of animal husbandry programs, reproduction, neonatal care, introductions, moves, restraints and shipments; regularly inspects and observes assigned collection for overall health and welfare,
(3) Ensures dietary requirements of the assigned collection are met and fulfilled,
(4) Discusses morbidity and mortality with veterinary and pathology staff,
(5) Manages and evaluates the performance of animal supervisory staff as assigned.
(6) Oversees and participates in the preparation and maintenance of a variety of collection records required for collection management,
(7) Assures the meeting of legal requirements in collection management as well as domestic and international shipping of animals; develops new techniques as required to meet animal shipment regulations; may assist in the acquisition of permits.,
(8) Maintains a variety of contacts in order to respond to inquiries and requests and to effectively coordinate collection maintenance and management activities.
(9) Assures effective organizational communication and team building, provides specialized training relative to collection husbandry
(10) Resolves problems and complaints referred by teams and staff including conflicts in priority and across the organization
(11) Executes, and under direction may implement, animal sales, loans, trades and purchases according to zoo collection master plan
(12) Assures use of appropriate animal handling, shipment, management and training methodologies for the collection, assures appropriate training of staff in techniques of animal management and transfer
(13) Participates in exhibit and facility planning, research and design
(14) Recommends exhibit design relative to management and husbandry requirements of species to be incorporated
(15) Recommends signage and graphics
(16) Maintains a variety of classification appropriate contacts in order to respond to inquiries and requests and to effectively coordinate collection husbandry and maintenance activities.
The ideal candidate will have experience in managing a diverse animal collection and a commitment to establishing the highest standards of care and welfare. The position will suit an individual with a passion for arid land animals who is comfortable working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural institution and working beyond the traditions of a zoo. The successful candidate should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management or other related field. The candidate should have minimum of 10 years working experience with exotic animals (mammals, birds and reptiles) and out of these minimum of 4 years working experience in outreach and animal training. Experience in the development, design, construction and operation of new projects/exhibits is important.
More information about this role can be found by contacting:
Mohammed Al Kuwaiti
Manager, Human Resources
E-mail: mohammed.alkuwaiti@awpr.ae or visitingwww.awpr.ae
Manager, Human Resources
E-mail: mohammed.alkuwaiti@awpr.ae or visitingwww.awpr.ae
To know more about the lifestyle in Abu-Dhabi visitingwww.visitabudhabi.ae
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