TIMOTHY CONNORS
Bawtry,Doncaster
Summary
Dedicated zoo professional with 12+ years experience working with varied mammal and some bird species, complemented by strong problem-solving and communication skills. Now in a position to manage a team and contribute to exhibit design effectively, while ensuring adherence to zoo protocols. Skilled in handling exotic animals, assisting vets with a range of procedures and utilising ZIMS for data management. Committed to a career in zoo management and wildlife conservation. Dedicated team player, proactive and hands-on in task completion.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head Keeper
Lotherton Wildlife World
Aberford, Leeds
2023.11 - Current
- Manage and support a small team of keepers, improving and updating standards to be in line with current legislation and by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Organised and led staff on large veterinary procedures in coordination with vets e.g. Chilean flamingo flock, Humboldt penguin colony catch and health check. 100+ colony of Egyptian fruit bat castration and population managment.
- Vastly improved knowledge and practice of avian managment.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Worked flexible hours, covering weekends and bank holidays.
Course Manager: Zoo pathway
Askham Bryan College
York
2022.08 - 2023.11
- Manage a Further Education course group
- Deliver zoo animal industry content to students 16+
- Provide support and encourage confidence and understanding in others.
- Handle sensitive information and situations in a professional manner.
- Efficient time management, information administration and implementation of scheduled timetables.
Veterinary Care Assistant
Vets4Pets Barnsley
2022.05 - 2022.08
- Responsible for the safe recovery of patients after surgery, checking vitals, recording the process and ensuring follow up care is provided.
Senior Animal Ranger
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
2019.08 - 2022.05
- Frequently managing or assisting in managing a small team. Delegating tasks to the correct people dependant on their strengths and interests.
- Experience quickly and efficiently troubleshooting issues that arise daily in a fluid work environment.
- Interacting with customers on animal experiences for up to 2 hours, enthusiastically educating and engaging with all relevant information and anecdotes to make for a well-rounded personal, educational, responsible and enjoyable experience. Finding out and recognising a customer’s specific interest and tailoring experiences towards that interest.
Animal Ranger
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
2017.11 - 2019.08
- Ensuring highest standard of animal welfare through species specific and industry approved husbandry methods. Species worked with range from small mammals to category one carnivores.
- In depth and thorough knowledge of species, aiding in the direct application of relevant information for husbandry requirements and being able to enthusiastically talk to customers.
- Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures to a high standard.
- Ensuring animal’s nutritional needs are met.
- Animal observations and accurate record keeping, with full competency in using ZIMS.
- Dispensing and administering medication.
- Designing, implementing, and evaluating enrichment.
- Animal training using operant conditioning (e.g. crate, scale, and routine health check).
- Capture and restraint of animals where required.
- Health and safety regulations compliance and adhering to safe working practices.
- Deliver engaging and informative talks about various species and delivering animal experiences for guests.
- Two hour ranger and VIP experiences with people aged 5 and upwards.
Zoo Keeper
Longleat Enterprises Ltd
2012.03 - 2017.11
- Duties and experience similar to those described above at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
Cinema Attendant
The Station Cinema
Richmond, North Yorkshire
2007.11 - 2009.09
- Taking telephone card payments for bookings, interacting with the public, and having a full current knowledge of all related areas to best deal with inquires.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Animal Management and Science
Askham Bryan College
York 2009.09 - 2012.07
A-Levels - undefined
Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
Darlington, County Durham 2005.09 - 2007.06
GCSE - undefined
St Francis Xavier Secondary School
Richmond, North Yorkshire 2000.01 - 2005.01
Skills
- Good working knowledge of a range of mammals and some birds
- Problem-solving
- Communication skills
- Exhibit design input
- Knowledge of ZIMS
- Exotic animals handling
- Zoo visitor engagement
- Knowledge of zoo protocols
- Adaptability to weather conditions
Additional Work Experience and Voluntary Placements
- Advanced DBS check
- First Aid Qualification – obtained 10/22
- Andean Condor Behavioural Study – Ecuador – Summer 2012
- Operation Wallacea – Indonesia dissertation expedition researching Spectral tarsier – Summer 2011
- Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, South Africa – population surveys and wild ungulate relocation – Summer 2010
- Swale Veterinary Surgery, Richmond North Yorkshire – Work experience - August 2007
- Full clean driving licence
- References available upon request
Timeline
Head Keeper
Lotherton Wildlife World
2023.11 - Current
Course Manager: Zoo pathway
Askham Bryan College
2022.08 - 2023.11
Veterinary Care Assistant
Vets4Pets Barnsley
2022.05 - 2022.08
Senior Animal Ranger
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
2019.08 - 2022.05
Animal Ranger
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
2017.11 - 2019.08
Zoo Keeper
Longleat Enterprises Ltd
2012.03 - 2017.11
BSc (Hons) - Animal Management and Science
Askham Bryan College
2009.09 - 2012.07
Cinema Attendant
The Station Cinema
2007.11 - 2009.09
A-Levels - undefined
Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
2005.09 - 2007.06
GCSE - undefined
St Francis Xavier Secondary School
2000.01 - 2005.01