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- Tasks: Care for primates and small mammals while engaging visitors with exciting talks and experiences.
- Company: Join the passionate team at Hertfordshire Zoo, dedicated to animal welfare and visitor engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, and access to health support and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care and conservation while working outdoors with amazing animals.
- Qualifications: Animal science qualification and 3 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Flexible rota, team celebrations, and opportunities for global conservation projects.
The predicted salary is between 24603 - 27400 £ per year.
Full-Time Keeper – Primates & Small Mammals
Hertfordshire Zoo
Closing date for applications is: 23rd Oct 2025
Are you an experienced animal keeper looking to work with an exciting variety of Primates and Small Mammals? This permanent opportunity at Hertfordshire Zoo (formerly Paradise Wildlife Park) offers the chance to join a passionate, professional team delivering high standards of animal care and visitor engagement. If you’re enthusiastic, dedicated, and ready for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Carrying out and enforcing high standards of welfare and animal husbandry routines (feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision) on the Primates & Small Mammals section
- Maintaining trained behaviours as specified by Section Leader/Deputy
- Delivering high-standard visitor experiences, including Keeper Talks and Animal Experiences
- Recording observations and maintaining accurate animal records
- Supervising and working alongside volunteers and work experience students
- Enclosure maintenance and checks
- Supporting general site maintenance and visitor services when required
- Other duties to support effective and efficient running of the site, including Fire Marshall, First Aid, Company vehicle driver and general site cleaning
Requirements (Essential)
- An animal science-related qualification
- Minimum 3 years relevant species experience in a zoological collection
- Excellent communication skills (both 1-1 and public speaking) and a great team player
- Adaptable for a flexible rota, physically fit for the demands of this role and happy working outside in all weathers
- Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle (as HZ is not accessible by public transport)
- In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must have existing rights to reside and work in the UK.
Job Details
- Full-time, permanent position; 08.00-17.00 April–Sep, 08.00-16.30 Oct–Mar; average of 5 days per week worked on a 3-week rolling rota (subject to change depending on the needs of the business)
- Starting salary from £24,603.15 PA based on an average 37.5 hour working week
- 28 days PA paid annual leave
- Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff discounts and other benefits, including free access to UK and European zoos and collections, regular team gatherings and celebrations, and a company Conservation Award (giving team members the chance to travel together to one of our supported global conservation project partners)
Apply for this job
To apply please email your CV and cover letter stating what makes you a suitable candidate to tojessie.boylan@hertfordshirezoo.com using \”Primates & Small Mammals Keeper\” as the subject. Closing Date: Thursday 23rd October 2025
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Full-Time Keeper – Primates & Small Mammals 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 Full-Time Keeper – Primates & Small Mammals
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Hertfordshire Zoo and its staff. Understanding their values and mission can help you connect during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, share specific examples of your experience with primates and small mammals. Whether it’s a unique enrichment idea or a successful training method, let them see what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for hands-on assessments! They might want to see how you handle animals or manage tasks on the spot. Brush up on your animal husbandry routines and be prepared to demonstrate your skills in real-time.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot them a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Full-Time Keeper – Primates & Small Mammals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for working with primates and small mammals shine through. We want to see what makes you tick and why you're excited about this role!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in animal care and any specific skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand. No need for fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: While you can email your application, we encourage you to check out our website for more details and updates. It’s a great way to stay in the loop and show us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of primates and small mammals. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, habitats, and care requirements. This will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in animal care. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've maintained high standards of welfare and engaged with visitors. Highlight any relevant qualifications or training that make you a strong candidate.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice speaking clearly and confidently about your experiences. You might even want to prepare a mini Keeper Talk to demonstrate your public speaking skills during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Think about scenarios you might face on the job and how you would handle them. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also practical and ready for the challenges ahead.
