It’s a job that comes along once in every 100 million years – and fortunately doesn't require a referrence from a previous employer.
Bristol Zoo Gardens is on the lookout for a dinosaur keeper to maintain a watchful eye over the 12 life-size animatronic dinosaurs which will be visiting the attraction this summer.
The Zoo’s new ‘residents’ will include some of the world’s most popular dinosaur species, such as the tyrannosaurus rex, triceratops and the long-necked brachiosaurus – brought to life using mechanical technology.
The exhibition, called DinoZoo, will give visitors the chance to get up-close to the moving, roaring, hissing, growling and even water-spraying prehistoric creatures.
The Zoo hopes the ideal candidate for the role will be in place by mid-May and will work at through the summer until the DinoZoo exhibition ends on September 2.
Head of learning at Bristol Zoo, Simon Garrett, said: “This is certainly the most unusual job we have advertised for some time. But we are confident that the right person is out there and ready to take on the challenge of looking after the most unruly inhabitants the Zoo has ever had.”
The Dino Ranger will be expected to not only entertain and engage Zoo guests with the animatronic dinosaurs but also inform them with the history and science of dinosaur discovery, with special reference to the thecodontosaurus – the Bristol dinosaur. Fossils of the thecodontosaurus – meaning ‘socket-tooted lizard’ – were found at Durdham Down in the 19th century.
The successful candidate will also supervise interactive fossil digs, give dinosaur talks, lead dinosaur tours around the Zoo, run dinosaur-themed games and contribute to dinosaur-themed birthday parties.
For more information about the job and how to apply, go to the Zoo’s website www.bristolzoo.org.uk/jobs or phone 0117 974 7300. The closing date for applications is 3pm on Monday April 30.
The 175-year-old zoo is a conservation and education charity and relies on the support of visitors to fund its animal conservation and to help endangered species from suffering the same fate as the dinosaurs – extinction.
