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- Tasks: Care for amazing large carnivores and lead public talks about them.
- Company: Join the renowned Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent.
- Benefits: Up to ÂŁ29,500 salary, 28 days leave, and fantastic discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while working with incredible animals.
- Qualifications: 3 years experience with large carnivores and strong handling skills.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team and extensive training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 31500 ÂŁ per year.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join our dedicated large carnivore keepers. You will be responsible for looking after our Amur Tigers, Amur leopards, Sri Lankan leopards, Brown bears, Andean bears, African lions, African painted dogs, Southern cheetah, and European Grey wolves.
Responsibilities
- Husbandry duties including feeding, cleaning, enclosure furnishing, maintenance tasks, gardening, butchery, and record keeping.
- Restraint and handling of all carnivore species.
- Leadership of public talks and animal encounters.
- Adherence to safety protocols and a safety‑conscious approach.
- Physical fitness required for a demanding role.
Qualifications
- Hands‑on experience with large carnivores, ideally at least 3 years in a recognised zoological collection.
- Confidence around all types of carnivores and practical handling skills.
- Full valid driving licence and reliable transport; remote location access required.
- Physical fitness and endurance for outdoor work.
- Desirable: general maintenance/carpentry skills, trailer driving, strimmer experience, recognised Zoo animal Management qualification.
- Experience in delivering conservation education, public talks or animal encounters.
Contract Details
- Full‑time, permanent; 40 hours per week, five days per week (some weekends and bank holidays).
- Flexible working hours required.
- Right to work in the UK.
- Reliable mode of transport due to remote location.
Location
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world‑renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to rare and endangered species and offers luxury short‑break accommodation, free‑roaming animal safaris, once‑in‑a‑lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Our conservation efforts have contributed to the return of species such as black rhino and western low‑land gorillas to their natural habitats in partnership with The Aspinall Foundation.
Why You Should Join Us
Enjoy walking to work surrounded by the calls of howler monkeys and the roars of lions while joining a supportive team passionate about conservation. We provide extensive staff training, professional development, and the chance to contribute to real conservation action.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), rising with length of service (pro‑rata to start date and working hours).
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e‑learning.
- Enhanced sickness, maternity and paternity policies.
- Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks, plus friends and family tickets.
- Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
- Numerous retail discounts and a 24‑hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
- Many more length‑or‑service‑related rewards and benefits.
Interviews will take place as applicants apply, so the role may close early if a suitable candidate is found.
Apply For This Job
Please email your CV and covering letter to recruitment@howlettsandportlympne.com. Visit www.aspinallfoundation.org for more information about us.
Experienced Animal Keeper - Large Carnivore Section employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Animal Keeper - Large Carnivore Section
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the environment! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. Familiarise yourself with their conservation efforts and the animals they care for. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific examples of your work with large carnivores. Share stories that demonstrate your confidence and practical handling skills, as well as any leadership roles you've taken on during public talks or animal encounters.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a physical challenge! Since this role requires physical fitness, be prepared to discuss how you maintain your endurance and strength. Maybe even mention any relevant activities or training you do that keeps you fit for the demands of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application via the official channels. It not only streamlines the process but also shows you're serious about joining our passionate team at Port Lympne. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Animal Keeper - Large Carnivore Section
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for animal care shine through! We want to see your genuine love for large carnivores and conservation. Share any personal experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Experienced Animal Keeper. Highlight relevant experience with large carnivores and any specific skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention your hands-on experience, handling skills, and any public speaking or educational roles you've had. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Carnivores
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the large carnivores you'll be working with. Understand their behaviours, dietary needs, and any specific care requirements. This will not only show your passion but also your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with large carnivores in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of your husbandry duties, handling skills, and any public talks or educational sessions you've led. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Emphasise Safety Protocols
Since safety is crucial in this role, be prepared to talk about how you adhere to safety protocols when working with large animals. Share any relevant experiences where you successfully managed risks or ensured the safety of both animals and visitors.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect practical questions or scenarios related to animal care and handling. Think through how you would approach tasks like enclosure maintenance or emergency situations. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the job.
