At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for diverse animals, focusing on birds and engaging with the public through talks.
- Company: Join the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums at Askham Bryan Wildlife Park.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, flexible hours, and on-site facilities including a gym.
- Other info: Enjoy beautiful grounds and career development opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while sharing your passion for wildlife.
- Qualifications: Level 3 education in a relevant subject and strong customer service skills required.
Overview
Animal Keeper (Part time - Weekends) at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
Closing date for applications is: 29 Oct 2025. Contact: Tilly McGill (tilly.mcgill@askham-bryan.ac.uk).
Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park, Yorkshire.
Role type: Part-time; Contract type: Weekend-only with potential for additional hours during busy periods (holidays and evenings).
Salary: £23,815 per annum, pro rata. Benefits: generous holiday allowance, on-site facilities, parking, and employee benefits as described below.
About the Role
This brand-new role is based within the Zoo team and will focus on all aspects of animal husbandry with welfare at the forefront. The ideal candidate will be adaptable to work with a variety of species and be responsible for the daily care of several taxa. Preference for candidates with a focus on birds due to housing of exotic species and birds of prey, but the role also includes mammals. The candidate will work cohesively with other team members and may supervise work placement students.
The successful candidate will have excellent public engagement skills to facilitate keeper talks to a wide variety of audiences. You will be able to follow instructions with health and safety in mind and demonstrate a passion for wildlife and animals. The role includes supervising work placement students.
The College operates two starter/induction days per month to welcome and onboard new members (first Monday and third Wednesday of each month, unless a bank holiday).
Responsibilities
- Provide daily care and husbandry for multiple animal taxa, with emphasis on birds and birds of prey, and work with mammals as part of a cohesive team.
- Support welfare-focused animal management, environmental enrichment, and safe handling practices.
- Engage with the public to deliver keeper talks and educational experiences to diverse audiences.
- Follow health and safety procedures and organizational guidelines at all times.
- Supervise work placement students when required.
- Work weekends and contribute to additional hours during busy periods such as school holidays and evenings.
Qualifications and Skills
- Educated to Level 3 or above in a relevant subject.
- Level 2 Numeracy and Literacy qualification.
- Willingness to develop professionally and contribute ideas; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent customer service skills and a passion for wildlife and animals.
- Ability to follow instructions with health and safety as a priority.
- Successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Benefits
- 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.
- 35 days annual leave, plus 8 days bank holiday pro rata, plus Christmas shutdown.
- Flexible working arrangements where role allows.
- 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.
- Career development opportunities via on-site L&D Partner.
- Support from Recruitment and Employee Lifecycle Partner.
- Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave, plus enhanced maternity/adoption pay.
How to Apply
Apply via the Askham Bryan College website: Job search.
Interviews: to be confirmed (tbc).
Start Date: The College runs two starter/induction days per month (usually the first Monday and third Wednesday).
Animal Keeper (Part time - Weekends) in City of London employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
At the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises animal welfare and public engagement. Our part-time Animal Keeper role at Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park in Yorkshire not only provides generous benefits such as 35 days annual leave and a teacher pension scheme but also fosters professional growth through career development opportunities and a collaborative team environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying beautiful grounds and on-site facilities that enhance your work-life balance.
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper (Part time - Weekends) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the animals! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Askham Bryan Wildlife and Conservation Park. Familiarise yourself with their species, especially birds and mammals, so you can chat confidently about them during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for wildlife! When you're in the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share any relevant experiences you've had with animals or conservation efforts, and don’t forget to mention how you’d engage with the public during keeper talks.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate teamwork skills! Since this role involves working closely with others and supervising students, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in a team. Highlight how you can contribute to a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We recommend using the Askham Bryan College website to submit your application. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people, and you’ll find all the details you need there.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper (Part time - Weekends) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals:When writing your application, let your love for wildlife and animals shine through. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to animal care and welfare.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your skills in public engagement and teamwork, especially if you have experience with birds or mammals, as this is a key focus for us.
Follow Instructions Carefully:Pay close attention to the application guidelines. Ensure you include all required qualifications and details, as we value candidates who can follow health and safety procedures and organisational guidelines.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via the Askham Bryan College website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey with our Zoo team!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Animals
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the species you'll be working with, especially birds and mammals. Familiarise yourself with their care requirements, behaviours, and any recent news about the animals at the park. This will show your passion for wildlife and help you engage confidently during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Public Engagement Skills
Since the role involves delivering keeper talks, think about how you can demonstrate your public speaking skills. Prepare a short presentation or talk about an animal you're passionate about. This will not only highlight your communication abilities but also your enthusiasm for educating others about wildlife.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
As you'll be working with a team and supervising placement students, be ready to discuss your experiences in teamwork and leadership. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past and how you can contribute to a positive team environment at the zoo.
✨Prioritise Health and Safety
Make sure you understand the health and safety protocols relevant to animal care. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle various situations while keeping safety as a priority. This shows that you take the responsibilities of the role seriously and are committed to maintaining a safe environment for both animals and visitors.
