At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure top-notch animal care and engage visitors with exciting talks and experiences.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire Zoo, a vibrant place dedicated to animal welfare and conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, staff discounts, and unique conservation travel opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a supportive team and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while sharing your passion with the public.
- Qualifications: Animal science qualification and 2 years' experience in a zoo setting required.
The predicted salary is between 25610 - 26376 £ per year.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities:
- Carrying out and enforcing high standards of animal welfare and husbandry routines (feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision) across all five sections of the zoo: Paddocks & Farm, Primates & Small Mammals, Birds, Ectotherms & Cats (with future scope to focus on specific taxa, depending on experience and development).
- Confidently working across multiple sections, demonstrating strong practical competence in routine duties with minimal supervision.
- Maintaining trained behaviours as specified by the Section Leader/Deputy.
- Delivering high-quality visitor experiences, including Keeper Talks and Animal Experiences, with a professional and engaging approach.
- Accurately recording observations and maintaining clear, timely animal records.
- Taking ownership of designated areas, proactively identifying and addressing welfare, maintenance, and operational needs.
- Supervising and working effectively alongside volunteers and work experience students, providing appropriate guidance and support.
- Contributing positively to the wider team, communicating effectively and supporting colleagues where required.
- Carrying out enclosure maintenance, checks, and ensuring high presentation standards across all areas.
- Supporting general site maintenance and visitor services when required.
- Undertaking additional responsibilities to support the effective running of the site, including Fire Marshall, First Aid, company vehicle driving, and general site cleaning.
Requirements (Essential):
- Animal science/management‑related qualification (preferably Level 3 or above).
- Minimum 2 years’ full‑time, practical experience within a zoological collection (essential).
- Demonstrable experience working with a range of taxa, ideally including exotic and/or endangered species.
- Excellent communication skills (both 1‑1 and public speaking) and a strong team player.
- Proven record‑keeping skills.
- Adaptable to a flexible rota, physically fit for the demands of the role, and comfortable working outdoors in all weathers.
- Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle (as HZ is not accessible by public transport).
- Existing right to live and work in the UK.
Job Details:
- Full‑time, permanent position; 08.00‑17.00 April‑Sept, 08.00‑16.30 Oct‑March; average of 5 days per week worked on a 3‑week rolling rota (subject to change depending on the needs of the business).
- Salary range £25,610.65‑£26,376.35 PA based on an average 38.75 hour working week.
- 28 days PA paid annual leave, increasing with length of service.
- 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).
Experienced Animal Keeper in London employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Hertfordshire Zoo is an exceptional employer that prioritises animal welfare and employee development, offering a vibrant work culture where team members can thrive. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and unique benefits such as free access to zoos and opportunities for global conservation travel, we foster a supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration among passionate individuals dedicated to wildlife care.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Animal Keeper in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Animal Keeper in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
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