Animal Keeper (Maternity Cover) in Sheffield

Animal Keeper (Maternity Cover) in Sheffield

Sheffield Temporary 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Care for diverse animals and engage visitors with exciting presentations.
  • Company: Join the vibrant team at Tropical World, a top Leeds attraction.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in animal welfare while sharing your passion with the public.
  • Qualifications: Diploma in Zoo Animal Management and 5 years of zoo experience required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

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

  • 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.

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.

Animal Keeper (Maternity Cover) in Sheffield employer: BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)

At Tropical World, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and a passion for animal welfare. Our team enjoys competitive salaries, generous pension contributions, and clear pathways for professional development, all while working in one of Leeds' most beloved attractions. Join us in making a meaningful impact on conservation and education, all within the beautiful setting of Roundhay Park.

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Contact Details:

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper (Maternity Cover) in Sheffield

Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms

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Join Agricultural Community Groups

Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.

Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared

Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!

Showcase Your Skills on Our Website

When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums).

We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper (Maternity Cover) in Sheffield

Animal Husbandry Skills
Communication Skills
Public Presentation Skills
Customer Service Skills
Teamwork
Flexibility
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!

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Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!

Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!

How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)

Show Off Your Practical Skills

In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!

Understand Seasonal Dynamics

Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!

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Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!

Mindful of Safety Regulations

In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.