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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for primates and small mammals while engaging visitors with exciting talks and experiences.
- Company: Join the passionate team at Hertfordshire Zoo, dedicated to animal welfare and visitor engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, and access to employee assistance programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care and inspire visitors every day.
- Qualifications: Animal science qualification and 3 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Flexible hours, team events, and opportunities for conservation awards await you!
The predicted salary is between 24603 - 25288 £ per year.
Overview
Hertfordshire Zoo (formerly Paradise Wildlife Park) is seeking a Primates & Small Mammals Keeper for a permanent role. Closing date for applications: 23 October 2025. Contact: Jessie Boylan (jessie.boylan@hertfordshirezoo.com). Sector: Animal Care. Type: Paid. Contract: Full-time. Salary: From £24,603.15 PA.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
- Carrying out and enforcing high standards of welfare and animal husbandry routines (feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision) on the Primates & Small Mammals section
- Maintaining trained behaviours as specified by Section Leader/Deputy
- Delivering high-standard visitor experiences, including Keeper Talks and Animal Experiences
- Recording observations and maintaining accurate animal records
- Supervising and working alongside volunteers and work experience students
- Enclosure maintenance and checks
- Supporting general site maintenance and visitor services when required
- Other duties to support effective and efficient running of the site, including Fire Marshall, First Aid, Company vehicle driver and general site cleaning
Requirements (Essential)
- An animal science-related qualification
- Minimum 3 years relevant species experience in a zoological collection
- 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 licence and access to own vehicle (as HZ 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.
Job Details
- Full-time, permanent position; 08:00-17:00 April-September, 08:00-16:30 October-March; average of 5 days per week worked on a 3-week rolling rota (subject to change depending on the needs of the business)
- Starting salary from £24,603.15 PA based on an average 37.5 hour working week
- 28 days PA paid annual leave
- Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff discounts and other benefits, including free access to UK and European zoos and collections, regular team gatherings and celebrations, and a company Conservation Award (giving team members the chance to travel together to one of our supported global conservation project partners)
Apply For This Job
To apply please email your CV and cover letter stating what makes you a suitable candidate to jessie.boylan@hertfordshirezoo.com using “Primates & Small Mammals Keeper” as the subject. Closing Date: Thursday 23rd October 2025.
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Full-Time Keeper – Primates & Small Mammals 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 Full-Time Keeper – Primates & Small Mammals
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the zoo! Before your interview, spend some time researching Hertfordshire Zoo and its mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in their work with primates and small mammals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your public speaking skills! Since you'll be delivering Keeper Talks and engaging with visitors, it’s crucial to feel confident when talking about the animals. Try rehearsing in front of friends or family to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! During the interview, share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in previous roles. Highlight any experience supervising volunteers or students, as this is key for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Full-Time Keeper – Primates & Small Mammals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Full-Time Keeper – Primates & Small Mammals. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in animal care and husbandry, and don’t forget to mention any qualifications that relate directly to the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working with primates and small mammals. Share specific examples of your experience and how it aligns with our mission at Hertfordshire Zoo.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure to demonstrate your skills in both your CV and cover letter. Whether it’s through public speaking or one-on-one interactions, let us know how you engage with others!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of primates and small mammals. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, habitats, and care requirements. This will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine passion for animal welfare.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves delivering Keeper Talks and engaging with visitors, practice your public speaking skills. Prepare a short presentation about a specific species you love, and be ready to discuss how you would engage the audience during talks.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires working closely with a team and supervising volunteers. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any leadership experiences that showcase your ability to work well with others.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations related to animal care or visitor engagement. Being able to demonstrate your problem-solving skills will set you apart from other candidates.