At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for a variety of animals and engage with visitors through keeper talks.
- Company: Join Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park, a leading wildlife facility in York.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday allowance, free parking, and discounted gym membership.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while working in a beautiful environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 education in a relevant subject and strong customer service skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours available during busy periods and opportunities for personal development.
Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park
Askham Bryan College is a specialist land-based college situated in York. We have a brilliant BIAZA zoological facility which opens to guests on weekends and school holidays. During the week we are open for school visits and wildlife programmes.
This brand-new role is based within the Zoo team and will focus on all aspects of animal husbandry, with welfare at its forefront β the ideal candidate will be adaptable to work with a variety of species and be responsible for the daily care of several taxa. The ideal candidate will have a keen focus on birds, as we house an array of exotic species and birds of prey. However, this candidate will also be responsible for mammals and will work with both cohesively.
We are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic candidate with a passion for wildlife. The ideal candidate will be willing to develop themselves, contribute ideas, be able to work alone and as a team.
The ideal candidate will have excellent public engagement skills to facilitate keeper talks to a wide variety of audiences. This role is a permanent two day a week (Weekend) contract but has the scope for further additional hours during busy periods such as school holidays and evenings.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate excellent customer service skills and have a passion for the natural world and animals, you will be able to follow instructions and have health and safety always in mind. This role also includes supervising work placement students.
Educated to Level 3 or above in a relevant subject, with a Level 2 Numeracy and Literacy qualification, in return you will receive a generous holiday allowance, ample free parking, canteen facilitates and a range of employee benefits.
For more information, please refer to the job description and personal specification.
Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
We offer a pleasant, safe and friendly environment to work within a wonderful, likeminded team. We encourage personal development across all areas within the Wildlife Park team.
Interviews: tbc Start Date: The College operates 2 starter/induction days per month to welcome and onboard new members. These are usually the first Monday and third Wednesday of each month (unless there is a bank holiday). About the College:
Askham Bryan College is a specialist land-based college based across the North of England with centres in York, Middlesbrough, Saltaire, Wakefield and Gateshead.
We offer a wide-ranging curriculum to our Further Education students, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Management, Countryside and the Environment, Engineering, Equine, Floristry, Motorsport, Outdoor Adventure Sport, Sports Development, Coaching and Fitness, Uniformed Public Services and Veterinary Nursing.
Benefits of working with Askham Bryan College:
- On-site facilities including a fully functional farm, equine centre, wildlife park and VR suite
- Beautiful grounds for outdoor learning, meetings and well-being walks
- Teacher pension scheme with generous employer contributions
- Options for flexible working arrangements (role dependent)
- On-site catering including a canteen and shop
- Highly discounted gym membership at the on-site gym
- Free car parking and cycle to work scheme
- Continuous support from our Recruitment and Employee Lifecycle Partner
- Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave scheme
BIAZA office hours are 9am β 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 Regentβs Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)
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Animal Keeper (Part time - Weekends) employer: BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
Contact Detail:
BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper (Part time - Weekends)
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the wildlife park before your interview! Familiarise yourself with the animals they care for, especially the exotic species and birds of prey. This shows your passion and helps you connect during the interview.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice your public engagement skills! Since you'll be facilitating keeper talks, try rehearsing how you'd explain animal care to different audiences. Itβll boost your confidence and impress the interviewers.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show your adaptability! Be ready to discuss how you can work with various species and handle different tasks. Share examples from past experiences where youβve had to think on your feet.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about the college and its values, which can help you tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper (Part time - Weekends)
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Wildlife: When writing your application, let your love for animals and wildlife shine through! Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm for animal care and conservation.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your skills in animal husbandry, public engagement, and teamwork, as these are key aspects of the role we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, so we can easily see how you fit the role of Animal Keeper at our Wildlife Park.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youβre considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
β¨Know Your Animals
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the species housed at Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park. Familiarise yourself with their care requirements, behaviours, and any recent news about the park. This will show your passion for wildlife and your commitment to animal husbandry.
β¨Showcase Your Public Engagement Skills
Since you'll be facilitating keeper talks, think of examples where you've successfully engaged an audience. Prepare to discuss how you would communicate effectively with visitors of all ages, making the experience enjoyable and educational.
β¨Demonstrate Teamwork and Adaptability
The role requires working both independently and as part of a team. Be ready to share experiences where you've adapted to changing situations or collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. Highlight your flexibility in working with different species and tasks.
β¨Emphasise Health and Safety Awareness
Health and safety is crucial in this role. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety protocols in animal care and how you ensure a safe environment for both animals and visitors. This will demonstrate your responsibility and professionalism.