Paignton Zoo

Bird department food prep Volunteer

 

 

Aim of volunteering role:

 

Support the bird department with the daily preparation of diets for all species.

 

Description of the volunteer role is to:

 

A food preparation volunteer will provide essential support to the bird team. The role involves the preparation of a huge variation of diets that make up both morning and afternoon feeds. Diets are formulated using research and specific species guidelines, and we follow specific diet sheets for each species. This role does not involve working around enclosures or animals, but it is a key role that will help to maintain our animal’s health and welfare.

 

Department Manager:

 

Curator of Birds – Pete Smallbones

 

Where & When:

 

You will be based at the Avian Breeding Centre (ABC). We could accept volunteers on any day of the week, though currently weekends would be the main priority. Food preparation for the whole department can take over 4 hours in total, though the work is usually split between two people. Therefore it would be beneficial to have a volunteer for a minimum of 2 hours. Food prep usually takes place between 9am – 1pm, so hours can be flexible within that time frame.

 

Possible tasks you may be asked to do:

Chopping food

The bulk of the diets are made up of fruit, vegetables and pellet. There are also some species that eat day old chicks, mice, rats, fish or meat and this will need to be chopped or prepared as part of the role. Fruit and vegetables are prepared with either knives or a grater and veg is lightly steamed using a microwave. Food is either weighed on scales or measured with a scoop, amounts need to be followed accurately to allow us to monitor food intake and health and welfare.

Cleaning

You will need to clean down your tools and workstations when you come to the end of your day. You may also be asked to help clean other areas of the kitchen such as microwaves, floors or fridges.

Talking to public

 

The ABC kitchen has windows that allow the public to view the team working, so you must be aware you are visible to public at all times. Staff working in the kitchen are often asked questions through the windows, so ideally you would be confident in politely answering their questions or seeking support where needed. The team will be around to support you and run through the most common questions before you start!

 

Skills required:

Happy to volunteer alone after initial training; comfortable working with knives; reliable, trustworthy and happy to follow guidance from staff; confident enough to communicate with the team when needed; the ability to adapt to small but regular changes to diet sheets

 

Materials required:

A uniform will be provided as part of your volunteer induction. You must not wear uniform off site unless required to do so for volunteering purposes. You will need to change into your uniform on site (including footwear), changing out of your uniform / footwear and other items provided by you for use when on duty before you leave.

 

Any health and safety requirements:

 

You will be made aware of all relevant health and safety requirements and risk assessments for the duties that you will be carrying out, with you needing to carry out some training for the role. As the ABC is a busy working environment, you will need to be aware of your surroundings at all times and ensure you keep a tidy and safe work area. The ABC is the base for all the birds’ food, which then goes out to all the enclosures. To help ensure good biosecurity, you will be expected to use foot dips as required, wear gloves when required and ensure good standards of hygiene at all times.

 

Please note that all volunteers for this role must be aged 18 years or over