Job Description Proforma s3

Job Description

Job Title: Zoological Registrar

Department: Living Collections

Directorate: Zoological

Responsible to: Senior Curator (Invertebrates, Lower Vertebrates and Research)

Job Evaluation Committee Reference Number:

Grade Allocated:

Date Allocated: Job Description

Key Purpose of the Job

The job-holder is responsible for the maintenance, development and reporting of animal records data for London and Whipsnade zoos, along with associated staff training, evaluation and external representation.

Responsibility for Resources

People

The job-holder has no direct line staff management responsibility but is required to work with a wide range of staff at both London and Whipsnade zoos, especially in training staff in the correct use of the system and processes, and also in an evaluation capacity. The job holder is required to supervise volunteers, students and researchers on a regular basis.

The job holder will have overall responsibility for the ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) database.

Financial resources

The post-holder has no budget responsibility.

Confidentiality

The post-holder is entrusted with confidential animal records for both zoos.

Animals

The job-holder has no direct responsibility for safeguarding of animals although effective management of animal records is an essential related aspect of our animal care.

Main duties and key responsibilities

 Coordination and development of London and Whipsnade zoos animal record management and reporting, both in terms of physical records and electronic data. A good understanding of the appropriate databases and their application in the zoo community is required.

 To train and evaluate staff on use of ZIMS and other relevant tools used for maintaining records.

 Responsible for implementing new ZIMS versions as necessary.

 Identifying and resolving ZIMS system bugs with the International Species Information System (ISIS).

 Responsible for accurately compiling the Annual Inventory for ZSL and other necessary reports and data submissions as required.  To be the ZSL expert on legislative issues affecting animal records and liaise with relevant Governmental agencies and authorities, and also to advise ZSL animal managers and directorate on as required.

 To be the representative for London and Whipsnade zoos with ISIS and other forums relating to animal record-keeping and communicate relevant information to managers and staff as appropriate.

 Responsible for maintaining historical records and ensuring archival material is kept in a good order.

 The post-holder reports to the Senior Curator, but is responsible for their own work schedule on a daily basis. Flexibility is essential for dealing with numerous information and related staff support requests.

 With the Curators, be responsible for providing data for species management purposes e.g., EEP Co-ordinators, Studbook holders etc.

 With senior managers, review and implement animal records strategy and work plan.

 Other tasks as required by the Senior Curators, Curators, Animal Managers and Zoological Director.

Building relationships

 The job holder is required to conduct extensive staff training, requiring good communication and assessment skills.

 The job holder’s external communication with a wide range of organisations requires tact and sensitivity.

Mental Demands

 High levels of concentration are required when dealing with animal records, training and evaluation of staff and reconciling data error problems and associated communications with ISIS and other external agencies.

 The job-holder plans their work schedule on a daily basis working within general guidelines. Most decisions are based on the job-holder’s experience and knowledge in consultation with colleagues when required.

 Significant mental demands are needed for records problem-solving, particularly with regards to animal records error and ZIMS system movements, and are mainly dealt with independently. These are usually dealt with by the job-holder in consultation with colleagues within the department or with other organisations when relating to animal moves.

Flexibility  Although the jobholder follows an agreed work plan there are frequent interruptions (e.g. Internal staff support requests and external queries) requiring flexibility of working.

Working Conditions

 This post is office based, requiring equal time being spent at the London and Whipsnade Zoo sites. This is due to the majority of physical records being held at London and the one-to-one training requirements at both sites. Some additional travel is also required (e.g. BIAZA records group and ISIS meetings).

Expectations of job holder

 To ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted in all aspects of the post holder’s work.

 To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and responsibilities attached to this post.

 Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.

 To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary.

 To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service training as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.

 To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.

NB: This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be encountered. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation. Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

 A qualification in a relevant zoological or biological subject would be desirable.

 Prior experience in zoo based animal records or equivalent data handling experience and proficiency.

 Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent qualification/ work experience.

Knowledge

 A sound knowledge of animal records systems (or equivalent data handling) and their application is desirable.

 A sound knowledge of utilising and developing database systems.

 Good understanding of animal management in relation to records is desirable.

 A zoological background would be helpful.

Skills & Abilities

 Proficiency with ZIMS records system and associated software or equivalent computerised record systems proficiency.

 Good communication skills are essential for staff training and liaising with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

 Careful attention to detail.

 Enthusiastic and positive approach.

 Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, excellent at managing expectations.

 Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and to prioritise own work and competing priorities.

 A good working knowledge of MS Office Skills (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Other Requirements

 This post is office based, requiring equal time being spent at the London and Whipsnade Zoo sites. This is due to the majority of physical records being held at London and the one-to-one training requirements at both sites. Some additional travel is also required (e.g. BIAZA records group and ISIS meetings).