Experienced Cat Keeper

The Big Cat Sanctuary is seeking an experienced and motivated keeper to join our dedicated animal care team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse collection of big and small cat species while contributing to the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation and visitor engagement.

The Big Cat Sanctuary’s mission is to protect wild cats and make a significant impact on their conservation worldwide through five core pillars: Welfare, Breeding, Education, Conservation and Rescue.

Position Overview: We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a permanent, experienced keeper to join the dedicated and passionate team at The Big Cat Sanctuary. The successful candidate will contribute to maintaining the highest standards of animal care while helping to deliver engaging and educational visitor experiences. Our keepers are responsible for implementing and maintaining excellent animal welfare and husbandry standards across a variety of big and small cat species. Daily duties include feeding, enclosure cleaning, enrichment provision, behavioural training, and careful monitoring of animal health and wellbeing.

The Big Cat Sanctuary has undergone significant investment and development in recent years, resulting in several newly constructed habitats and keeper facilities, with further exciting projects planned. This role offers the opportunity to work in a progressive conservation environment while contributing to both animal welfare and conservation education. Alongside animal care responsibilities, the role includes engaging with visitors through a range of educational activities such as keeper talks, tours, animal experiences and other public events. The successful candidate will also work closely with volunteers, supporting their development and ensuring safe and efficient working practices.

Key Duties And Responsibilities:

• Carry out and maintain high standards of animal welfare and husbandry across all cat species, including feeding, enclosure cleaning, enrichment and daily welfare monitoring.
• Work under the direction of the Management Team to support both the day-to-day and long-term care of the animals, ensuring that husbandry routines, security checks, enrichment programmes and veterinary provisions are completed as instructed.
• Maintain trained animal behaviours as directed by the senior cat team, supporting ongoing welfare training programmes.
• Observe animals closely and accurately and record behavioural observations, health indicators and other relevant information in animal records.
• Deliver high-quality visitor engagement through keeper talks, animal experiences, tours and educational events, while also interacting with visitors informally during daily operations.
• Maintain a strong understanding of emergency procedures, including individual roles and responsibilities, and actively participate in training drills and practice routines.
• Carry out enclosure inspections, safety checks and general habitat maintenance to ensure secure and safe environments for both animals and staff.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards, legislation and best practice, contributing to regulatory audits when required.
• Work closely with and help supervise volunteers and visiting groups, including those assisting with enclosure maintenance or team-building activities.
• Support general site maintenance, visitor services and the overall smooth running of the Sanctuary when required.
• Undertake additional operational duties such as Fire Marshal, First Aider, company vehicle driver and general site cleaning tasks (training would be provided).

Requirements (Essential):

• An animal science/management-related qualification (preferably Level 3 or above).
• Minimum 2 years full-time experience in a zoological collection (preferably with CAT 1A or large mammals).
• Excellent communication skills (both 1-1 and public speaking) and a great team player.
• Excellent proven record-keeping skills.
• Adaptable for a flexible rota, physically fit for the demands of this role and happy working outside in all weathers.
• Full UK driving license and access to own vehicle (as BCS is not accessible by public transport).
• In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must have existing rights to reside and work in the UK.

Requirements (Desirable): Previous experience of firearms/willingness to train in firearms.

Working Conditions: Full-time, permanent position 40 hours per week, generally 08.00-17.00 (includes regular weekend and bank holiday work and some early starts per week). Additional early and late working will be required to accommodate emergencies and special events. Starting salary from £26,436.80 - £29,000 PA. Dependent on skills/experience. 28 days PA paid annual leave with future benefits also available.

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to Ian.jones@thebigcatsanctuary.org stating the reference BCS Keeper in the email title. Closing Date Tuesday, 27th April 2026. However, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the number of applications received, so please submit your application as soon as possible. Recruitment day will be held the week commencing 11th May 2026.