Charlotte Dean

JUNIOR BIRD KEEPER Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

What does a typical working day involve for you?

I start in the morning at Jersey Zoo’s bird department by helping to prepare fruitbased diets for the ‘softbills’. We’re given our morning routine, which involves multiple aviaries where we count, visually health check, clean, water and feed the birds. In the afternoons, I drive to Sorel point to check on the free-flying red-billed choughs. I carry out aviary maintenance, essential cleaning and a supplementary feed. I count, ID, and check the choughs’ condition while they are in the aviary. Once back at the zoo, I will carry out the ‘close down’ routine for the morning’s aviaries.

How did you get your job?

I would like to say I got the job from my many years in education, previous experiences, and the hard work and knowledge I demonstrated in my previous six months interning on the chough field internship, but a job coincidentally came up in the bird department around that time, so I think it was also about good timing!

What motivates you in this role?

The magnificent birds, the great outdoors and being a part of species conservation.

Are there any future skills you will need to learn for your role?

I think every person starting a career from the very beginning will be learning new skills almost every day; therefore, my list could be very long! I am not sure it’s needed in my current position, but I would like to gain a bird ringing license at some point in my career.

What are the three most important skills required for your role? Experience in the animal sector (college and/or university), voluntary work, work placements and/or internships.

The ability to take initiative

Team working is essential to allow for excellent time management.

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in your profession?

Start early! If you’ve got lots of recent and consistent experience under your belt, you will be an ideal candidate for a zoo-based or field assistant role. You should already know that the hours are long and you won’t be on the highest of salaries, but if you’re an animal enthusiast, this shouldn’t deter you from your dream job.

Tell us a fun fact

Hummingbirds are one of the only bird species that can fly backwards