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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in caring for diverse animal species and engage with visitors.
- Company: Join Chessington World of Adventures, a vibrant resort known for its thrilling attractions and wildlife.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 28 days holiday, Merlin passes, discounts, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while inspiring the public through educational talks.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in animal care, preferably with a degree in Zoology or related field.
- Other info: Flexibility to work weekends and holidays is essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington Closing date for applications is: 9th Sep 2025
Location:Chessington World of Adventures Resort Leatherhead Road Chessington Surrey KT9 2NE
About the Role:
Here at Chessington World of Adventures we are currently recruiting for a Senior Keeper to join the Zoo team.
We are offering an exciting opportunity for a passionate and professional animal keeper to play a key role in the care, welfare, and management of a diverse range of species, including but not limited to Binturong, Asian short-clawed otters, Capybara, and a variety of primates.
The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the daily husbandry and care of these animals, ensuring the highest standards of welfare and enrichment are maintained. They will support and contribute to training and enrichment programs designed to encourage natural behaviours and enhance overall wellbeing. In addition to hands-on animal care, the role involves providing leadership and mentorship to the keeper team, promoting a collaborative and supportive working environment.
Engagement with visitors is also a key aspect of the role, with opportunities to deliver educational talks and demonstrations that inspire and inform the public.
About you:
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to use initiative, take ownership, and make sound decisions in daily operations. Confident in supervising staff and contributing to operational planning.
- Proactive and solutions-focused, with the confidence to contribute ideas and drive improvements in practices.
- Able to stay calm,focused,and in control under pressure,including during emergencies or unexpected challenges.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to mentor and support others.
- Flexibility to work weekends, bank holidays, and irregular hours as required.
Qualifications & Experience:
- 5+ Years professional animal care experience, preferably in a zoological institution.
- A degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Biology, or related field is preferable.
- Strong people management skills, including the ability to lead and motivate a team.
- Familiarity with animal husbandry practices and ethical animal care standards.
- Knowledge of safety protocols, husbandry best practices, and conservation principles.
- A competitive annual salary
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Passes -6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones!
- Merlin Magic Pass -20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
- Company bonus
- 40% discount online off LEGO
- 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Plus, many more…
Apply for this job:
To submit an application please use the following link:
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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Senior Zoo Keeper 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 Senior Zoo Keeper
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your leadership skills during any interviews. As a Senior Zoo Keeper, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to supervise and mentor a team effectively, so think of examples where you've successfully led a group or improved team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific species mentioned in the job description, like Binturongs and Asian short-clawed otters. Showing your knowledge about their care and behaviour can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your passion for animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with training and enrichment programs. Be ready to share ideas on how you would implement these practices at Chessington, as this role involves enhancing the wellbeing of the animals through such initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Engagement with visitors is key, so think about how you can communicate effectively with the public. Prepare some engaging stories or educational points about the animals you’ve worked with, as this will showcase your ability to inspire and inform visitors.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Zoo Keeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Senior Zoo Keeper position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your 5+ years of professional animal care experience, particularly in a zoological setting. Include specific examples of your leadership skills, team management, and any training or enrichment programs you have implemented.
Showcase Your Passion: Demonstrate your passion for animal welfare and conservation in your application. Share any personal experiences or projects that reflect your commitment to ethical animal care and education.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm for the role at Chessington World of Adventures. Make sure to address how you can contribute to the zoo team and engage with visitors effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Care
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals and animal care during the interview. Share specific experiences that highlight your dedication and how you've contributed to the welfare of various species in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Senior Zoo Keeper, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team, mentored colleagues, or implemented new practices in your past positions. This will show your potential employer that you can take charge and inspire others.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to make quick decisions regarding animal care or staff management, and be ready to discuss how you handled them.
✨Engage with Visitor Interaction
Since engaging with visitors is part of the role, prepare to discuss how you would deliver educational talks or demonstrations. Share any past experiences where you've successfully communicated information to the public, showcasing your ability to inspire and inform.
