At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for and train sea lions and penguins while ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, a leading conservation-focused attraction in Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, life insurance, staff discounts, and free parking.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and relocation assistance.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in animal care and conservation.
- Qualifications: Two years of animal training experience and a strong understanding of conditioning techniques.
The predicted salary is between 26785 - 26785 £ per year.
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park is located in Scotland, near Stirling. The closing date for applications is 1st June 2026. Contact: Emily Boyd (recruitment@blairdrummond.com).
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: £26,785 p.a.
Location: Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, FK9 4UR
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Insurance, Staff Family Passes, EAP, 20% Staff discount in Park, free parking, uniform.
Working hours: 38.5 hours per week (10 days in 14)
The Company: Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park was opened to the public in 1970 and was one of Britain’s first safari parks. We are now one of the most popular visitor attractions in Scotland, with a strong focus on conservation, education, and the local community. We also run a successful fundraising program for conservation.
The Role: You will be part of the team responsible for the care, training, and all aspects of animal husbandry of our Humboldt penguins and California sea lions. The role will include daily presentations, cleaning, environmental enrichment, and maintenance of the life support system. Ensuring the safety of our animals, staff, and visitors at all times is of key importance, as well as following health & safety protocols.
Essential Requirements:
- Animal training experience of at least two years
- Demonstrable practical and theoretical experience of classical and operant conditioning
- Physically fit and hardworking (can lift 25KG)
- Excellent observational skills
- Self-motivated and pro-active
- Demonstrable experience of following safe working protocols
- A current full driving licence
Desirable Requirements:
- Experience working with marine mammals
- Animal related qualification to HND level or above
- The zoo animal management qualification (DMZAA)
- Public presentation skills
- Demonstrable experience of implementing training programmes
To Apply: Please apply via our Careers Page by following the link below: Careers Page.
Selection Process: We will be reviewing candidates on a rolling basis. First interviews may be virtual to limit travel, followed by a trial day on site for short-listed candidates.
Animal Keeper - Sea Lions and Penguins employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises conservation and community engagement. With competitive benefits such as a company pension, life insurance, and staff discounts, employees enjoy a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Located in the picturesque surroundings of Scotland, this role provides unique opportunities to work closely with marine mammals while contributing to educational initiatives and conservation efforts.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper - Sea Lions and Penguins
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park. Understand their mission, values, and conservation efforts. This will help you connect your passion for animal care with what they stand for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to animal training and husbandry. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of an Animal Keeper. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have any videos or photos of your work with animals, bring them along or share them during your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your experience and passion for animal care.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to Emily Boyd. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper - Sea Lions and Penguins
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals:When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to animal care, especially with sea lions and penguins.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your animal training experience and any specific skills you have in classical and operant conditioning. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so be specific!
Follow the Application Instructions:Don’t forget to apply through our Careers Page! It’s super important to follow the application process as outlined. This shows us you can pay attention to details, which is crucial in animal care.
Be Yourself!:Let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our team, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit for our sea lion and penguin 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 sea lions and penguins. Understand their behaviours, habitats, and any recent news about them. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out as a candidate who is passionate about animal care.
✨Showcase Your Training Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with animal training, especially classical and operant conditioning. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented training programmes in the past, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of animal behaviour.
✨Safety First!
Since safety is a top priority, be prepared to talk about your experience following health and safety protocols. Think of instances where you ensured the safety of animals, staff, and visitors, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Engage with Presentation Skills
As part of the role involves public presentations, practice how you would engage an audience. Think about how you can make your presentations informative and entertaining, and be ready to discuss any previous experiences you have in public speaking or presentations.
