Purpose of the Role:

In November 2017, Toledo Zoo was involved in the recovery from the illegal wildlife trade and successful rehabilitation of 110 endangered Santa Cruz Ground Doves. 60 of these birds were subsequently exported to Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore, as the nucleus of a captive insurance population. Since that time the Zoo has been working with the Ministry of Environment (MECDM) towards the creation of a dedicated conservation breeding centre in the Solomon Islands.

In 2024, and agreement was signed between Toledo Zoo, MECDM and Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Ltd (GPPOL – a subsidiary of SD Guthrie Bhd). Under the terms of this, GPPOL have assumed responsibility for the construction, maintenance and day-to-day running of the conservation centre, including the employment of three local staff. Two purpose-built aviary blocks housing Santa Cruz Ground Doves have now been installed on land made available by GPPOL, along with staff accommodation and other basic facilities. MECDM have officially endorsed the goals of the project, while the Zoo have committed to providing expert guidance and overseeing an ongoing programme of capacity building.

In the coming months, it is anticipated that some of the Santa Cruz Ground Doves held by Mandi Wildlife will be repatriated to the Solomon Islands, to bolster the genetic diversity of the in-country captive population and to honour the promises made when birds were first sent overseas. Eventually, it is hoped that the remit of the centre will be expanded to include work with other threatened endemic species.

As Toledo Zoo’s representative, you will facilitate the transfer of skill and knowledge to local staff. You will also liaise with counterparts at GPPOL and MECDM to ensure that key targets are achieved and that the conservation centre is run in accordance with the highest possible standards of animal husbandry.

Responsibilities

Reporting to Toledo Zoo’s Manager of International Conservation Projects, you will be responsible for:

• Training local staff in the basic principles of animal husbandry (diet preparation, enclosure cleaning and maintenance, handling, behavioural observation, administering medication, basic veterinary care, pest control).
• Working with the Zoo’s registrar to implement a proper system of record keeping and training local staff in its use (including the fitting of permanent ID markers).
• Working with local counterparts to overcome the logistical and bureaucratic hurdles involved in repatriating Santa Cruz Ground Doves from Singapore.
• Working with MECDM to develop protocols for the care of live animals recovered from the illegal wildlife trade.
• Contributing to scoping studies concerning the possible establishment of captive populations of new species. This may include participation in fieldwork led by local or international researchers to better understand the status and ecology of these species.
• Potentially, contributing to the development of husbandry protocols for new species and overseeing their implementation.

You will be based in the Solomon Islands with periodic trips to Toledo Zoo’s headquarters in Ohio, United States.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Significant experience in the captive husbandry of non-domesticated animal species (preferably birds – experience with small mammals and/or herptiles would be advantageous).
• A full driver’s licence.
• Ability to work independently and show initiative.
• Confidence and capacity for leadership.
• Patience and determination.
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships.
• Willingness to learn and speak Solomon Islands Pijin.

Desirable

• Relevant academic qualifications (e.g. Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care, BSc Conservation Biology or similar).
• Experience of undertaking fieldwork, particularly in tropical forest.

What We Offer

• Salary: AU$58,568
• Two return flights to Australia per year
• Assistance in finding suitable living accommodation in Honiara
• Use of a project vehicle.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical evacuation.