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- Tasks: Support animal care, exhibit development, and food management at Dudley Zoo.
- Company: Join the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference for endangered species while working in a historic zoo setting.
- Qualifications: Basic animal husbandry knowledge, DIY skills, and a clean UK driving license required.
- Other info: Applications close on 28th July 2025; apply now to be part of an exciting team!
The predicted salary is between 24823 - 26776 £ per year.
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Dudley Zoo & Castle
West Midlands Closing date for applications is: 28th Jul 2025
Contact: Nicky Reynolds (hr@dudleyzoo.org.uk) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £24,823 – £26,776 per annum – dependent upon experience
DUDLEY ZOO & CASTLE
Dudley and West Midlands Zoological Society is structured as a charitable organisation, with a trading arm known as Dudley Zoological Services Limited and the Dudley Zoo Development Trust, which raises money for animal welfare expenditure. The site’s trading name is Dudley Zoo & Castle.
The site covers approximately 40 acres, surrounding and incorporating the ruins of Dudley Castle and featuring ‘modernist’ architecture of the Tecton Partnership. The historic nature of the site with a Grade I listed 11th century Norman castle, 12 concrete Tecton structures (Grade II & II*) and the Grade II Castle Hill Lodge, provide a unique setting and visitor attraction, whilst also placing added responsibility and burden upon the Society.
The Zoo houses a host of endangered species and yet our strength as a tourist attraction is the variety of visitor experiences available on site. This combination of heritage assets, exotic wildlife and unique site transportation attracts over 300,000 visitors annually and generates funds for day-to-day operation and capital development.
What You Will Do.
In this diverse role you will be providing support on 3 key areas of the zoo including;
Animal keeping department, Covering all aspects of the day-to-day management and welfare of our animal collection.
Animal development, work alongside our keeping department to help design/build and renovate new and existing animal exhibits.
Animal food and waste management. Delivering of animal foods to the departments and removing and disposing of animal waste.
Skills Required For The Role Include.
v Good knowledge of basic animal husbandry.
v Good organisational skills
v Self-motivation and the ability to work unsupervised
v A good knowledge of basic DIY and power tools
v Reliable and flexible with a strong work ethic
v Full CLEAN UK Driving License
v Good communication skills
v Previous experience in a zoo environment would be advantageous
Apply For This Job
We encourage applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the
grounds of any protected characteristic.
To submit applications, that must include your CV and supporting statement, contact the Administration Team Leader, hr@dudleyzoo.org.uk
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Animal Operative employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific animal species housed at Dudley Zoo & Castle. Understanding their needs and behaviours can give you an edge during interviews, showing your genuine interest in animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Dudley Zoo. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant hands-on experience with animals, whether through volunteering or previous jobs. Practical knowledge can set you apart from other candidates who may only have theoretical understanding.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your DIY skills and experience with power tools, as these are essential for the role. Being able to demonstrate your capability in maintaining and building animal exhibits will be a significant advantage.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Animal Operative at Dudley Zoo. Familiarise yourself with the key areas mentioned in the job description, such as animal husbandry, exhibit development, and food management.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the requirements of the role. Emphasise any previous work in animal care, DIY skills, and your ability to work independently.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should clearly express your passion for animal care and why you want to work at Dudley Zoo. Include specific examples of your experience and how it relates to the job responsibilities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Care
Make sure to express your genuine interest in animal welfare and conservation during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have had with animals, whether through previous jobs, volunteering, or personal projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Practical Skills
Since the role involves animal husbandry and maintenance, be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with animals and any DIY skills you possess. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed animal care tasks or used power tools.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Abilities
The job requires good organisational skills, so be ready to talk about how you manage your time and tasks effectively. You could mention any systems or methods you use to stay organised, especially in a busy environment like a zoo.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the zoo's operations, animal care practices, or future projects. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.
