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: Competitive salary, pension, life insurance, staff discounts, and free parking.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with career growth and relocation assistance available.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a 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 Jun 2026. Contact: Emily Boyd.
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. 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 in London 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 centred around conservation and community engagement. With competitive benefits including 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 as an Animal Keeper provides unique opportunities to work closely with marine mammals while contributing to educational initiatives and wildlife 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the park! Before your interview, do some research on Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park. Familiarise yourself with their conservation efforts and animal care practices. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll be doing daily presentations, it’s crucial to showcase your ability to engage an audience. Try rehearsing in front of friends or family to build confidence and get feedback.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on experience! During interviews, highlight specific examples of your animal training experience. Talk about the techniques you've used and how they’ve benefited the animals you’ve worked with.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Blair Drummond. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper - Sea Lions and Penguins in London
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.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in animal training and husbandry, and don’t forget to mention any specific skills that match the job description!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to see your qualifications without having to sift through fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our Careers Page! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
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 sea lions and penguins. Understand their behaviours, habitats, and training techniques. This will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine passion for animal care.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous animal training experiences in detail. Highlight specific examples where you used classical and operant conditioning. This will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of animal husbandry.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Since there’s a trial day involved, think about how you would handle various tasks like cleaning, environmental enrichment, and presentations. Practise these skills beforehand so you can showcase your competence and confidence on the day.
✨Emphasise Safety Protocols
Safety is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you follow health and safety protocols. Share any relevant experiences where you ensured the safety of animals, staff, and visitors, as this will be crucial for the interviewers.
