At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for reptiles, especially tortoises, and maintain exhibits at Linton Zoo.
- Company: Join Linton Zoo Conservation Park, a family-owned conservation and education park.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for advancement.
- Why this job: Work with diverse animals in a supportive team while making a positive impact on conservation.
- Qualifications: Must have 3 years of experience with reptiles and excellent animal husbandry skills.
- Other info: Flexible rota includes weekends and holidays; apply early as positions may fill quickly.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
- EXPERIENCED KEEPER WITH SPECIAL INTEREST REPTILES
EXPERIENCED KEEPER WITH SPECIAL INTEREST REPTILES
Linton Zoo Conservation Park
Linton Zoo Conservation Park
East Anglia Closing date for applications is: 20th Jul 2025
Salary: Competative rate on an experience related scale
Linton Zoo Conservation Park currently has a full-time permanent keeper position available for an experienced, highly motivated, reliable and enthusiastic individua with a special interest in reptiles in particular tortoises.
Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years prior experience paid full time work with reptiles especially tortoises within a zoological environment. This position is for someone with a special interest and experience with reptiles but the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to train to work with a range of mammals and birds. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day animal husbandry, including cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.
This is a physically demanding role which requires kneeling, crawling, climbing etc. and the ability to lift heavy food, straw bales etc. in varying weather conditions. The successful candidate will be expected to work to a flexible rota, this position requires applicants to be able to work weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays.
Holidays should be taken off season and not during school holidays.
The applicant must be flexible about their duties within the zoo and should be prepared to be involved in all aspects of animal care associated with the daily, safe and smooth running of a family owned and managed conservation and education park with a diverse collection of animals.
This is a full time role working an average of 40 hours a week over 5 days, working days will vary over a 7 day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is a competitive rate for a qualified keeper on an experience related scale
This is a permanent position with a start date as soon as is possible. There will be the opportunity to advance to a senior position for the right candidate.
Applicants should:
- be hard working, conscientious and uphold high standards of animal husbandry and welfare.
- have good attention to detail and a consistent level of work standard is essential
- have the ability to work both individually or as part of a team and have excellent communication skills
- have exceptional attendance and time keeping skills.
- be proficient in public speaking or have the confidence to learn
- be willing to assist with other areas of the park, including tours, educational presentations, general maintenance and upkeep of public areas and the supervision and training of trainee keepers
- able to keep detailed animal records we use ZIMS
- have ideally completed the DMZAA course or hold an equivalent qualification,
- have a broad knowledge of husbandry practices, an understanding of Zoo licence regulations and a minimum of 3 years full time paid work in a similar role
- preferably have a full driving licence and car
Apply for this job if you would like the chance to join our great team, please download an application form from our website. Please send this with a covering letter and CV to Kim Simmons, Linton Zoo, Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB21 4NT or email to lintonzoo@hotmail.co.uk stating any previous experience and availability.
· Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertised period for this role which may therefore be filled prior to the closing date. We would encourage you to submit your application form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Due to the number of applications we receive we are only able to respond to candidates who are successful through to the interview stage.
Apply for this job:
Apply for this job if you would like the chance to join our great team, please download an application form from our website. Please send this with a covering letter and CV to Kim Simmons, Linton Zoo, Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB21 4NT or email to lintonzoo@hotmail.co.uk stating any previous experience and availability.
· Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertised period for this role which may therefore be filled prior to the closing date. We would encourage you to submit your application form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Due to the number of applications we receive we are only able to respond to candidates who are successful through to the interview stage.
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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)
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EXPERIENCED KEEPER WITH SPECIAL INTEREST REPTILES 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 🤫
We think this is how you could land EXPERIENCED KEEPER WITH SPECIAL INTEREST REPTILES
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your specific experience with reptiles, especially tortoises, during any informal conversations or networking events. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Visit Linton Zoo Conservation Park if possible, and engage with the staff. Showing your enthusiasm and knowledge about their work can leave a positive impression and may even lead to valuable insights about the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your animal husbandry practices in detail during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) before applying. Being knowledgeable about this system will demonstrate your readiness to manage animal records effectively, which is a key part of the job.
We think you need these skills to ace EXPERIENCED KEEPER WITH SPECIAL INTEREST REPTILES
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your three years of full-time experience with reptiles, especially tortoises. Detail specific roles and responsibilities you've had in previous positions that relate directly to the job description.
Showcase Your Passion: In your covering letter, express your special interest in reptiles. Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to animal husbandry and conservation.
Detail Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to animal care, public speaking, and teamwork. Mention any relevant qualifications, such as the DMZAA course, and how they prepare you for this role.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and covering letter to reflect the specific requirements of the position. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application stands out to the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
✨Show Your Passion for Reptiles
Make sure to express your genuine interest in reptiles, especially tortoises. Share any personal experiences or projects you've been involved in that highlight your dedication to reptile care and conservation.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in detail, particularly focusing on your hands-on experience with reptiles. Highlight specific tasks you performed, challenges you faced, and how you ensured high standards of animal husbandry.
✨Prepare for Physical Demands
Since the role is physically demanding, be ready to talk about your ability to handle such tasks. Mention any relevant experiences where you had to lift heavy items or work in varying weather conditions, showcasing your physical fitness and resilience.
✨Exhibit Teamwork and Communication Skills
The position requires working as part of a team, so be sure to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles. Discuss your communication skills, especially in public speaking or educational settings, as this will be crucial for tours and presentations.