Animal Keeper (Maternity Cover)

Overview

Tropical World — Yorkshire. Closing date for applications is: 2 February 2026.

An exciting position has arisen for an Animal Keeper, based at The Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World at Roundhay Park, working with a wide range of aquatics, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, small mammals and birds.

Tropical World is one of Leeds\’ most popular family attractions with over 300,000 visitors each year. The post-holder will be expected to work closely with the other on-site teams, to deliver a high-quality visitor experience. The successful candidate will be a flexible, well-motivated individual who can cooperatively work within the animal team to provide the highest levels of animal husbandry, conservation, education, and public access in this developing zoo.

Responsibilities

• Participate in enrichment, animal training, husbandry guidelines, and visitor engagement.
• Able to take part in public presentations, keeper talks, social media outputs, and demonstrate excellent communication skills.
• Willing to work weekends to a rota and on occasional evenings.

Requirements

• A Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or equivalent qualification.
• At least 5 years’ experience working in a zoo environment.
• Exceptional animal husbandry skills and high standards of animal care.
• A passion for animal welfare, conservation, education, and research.
• Previous practical experience of working with a range of species.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• An understanding of health and safety in a zoological setting.
• An organized approach to managing animal welfare records.
• A full valid driving licence.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

Apply for this job

How to apply:

Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Abigail Hardwick (Animal Officer) email Abigail.Hardwick@leeds.gov.uk.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you\’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

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BIAZA, Regent\’s Park, London, NW1 4RY

BIAZA\’s office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783. Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)