At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for a variety of primates and engage with visitors through talks and activities.
- Company: Join Wingham Wildlife Park, one of the UK's fastest-growing zoos.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, training opportunities, and discounts on food and experiences.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care and conservation while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in a zoo setting and strong animal husbandry skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27476 - 27476 £ per year.
Wingham Wildlife Park is a family run wildlife park with a big emphasis on animal husbandry, conservation, education and safety for our animals, staff, and visitors. We are looking for an ambitious individual to join our animal care team. If you want to be part of one of the UK's fastest growing zoos and are interested in the prospect of being part of something new, this position might be for you!
This role will cover a range of species on our primate section from Callitrichidae, Senegal Bushbabies, Lemurs, Vervet Monkeys, Night Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys, Capuchins, Colobus, Howler Monkeys, Mandrills, Macaques, Gibbons, Chimpanzees, Orangutans and a variety of other species.
The Candidate Will:
- Be able to communicate on a one-to-one basis as well as leading public talks to large crowds.
- Have proven experience working in a zoo setting (preferably with similar species).
- Be able to work as part of a team and on their own.
- Must be self-motivated and willing to expand their knowledge about our animal collection.
- Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the sections without always waiting to be asked.
- Have exceptional time keeping skills.
- Show excellent practical animal husbandry skills.
- Have a valid UK driving licence or have good access to transport links.
The Role Involves:
- Day to day husbandry of the animals covered by the section, including diet preparation, observations, enrichment, and positive reinforcement training.
- Excellent observational and note keeping skills when working with the animals at the park.
- Strict adherence to safe working practices.
- Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.
Benefits:
- Permanent Contract
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- In house training, plus access to an extensive training budget covering external workshops, conferences, symposia, and online courses.
- Free staff parking
- Free entrance to the zoo on your days off plus 5 complimentary day tickets per year
- Uniform
- 30% staff food discount
- 40% staff drinks & snacks discount
- 20% animal experiences discount
- 10% gift shop discount
This full-time position (40 hours per week) requires people to be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. This position also requires people to be able to work on weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays.
Apply For This Job:
All applications to be addressed for the attention of Mr Matthew Jay along with a covering letter, CV, and a list of all species you have worked with. For applications to this job please use reference PRIMATES in the email title. Any applications through other channels will be disregarded. You must be eligible to work in the UK. This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore you should submit your application as soon as possible. All successful candidates will be contacted via email to arrange an interview. Our interviews consist of a practical element as well as a formal interview. Unfortunately, we are unable to give comment on unsuccessful applications.
Primate Keeper in London employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Wingham Wildlife Park is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in one of the UK's fastest-growing zoos. With a strong focus on animal husbandry, conservation, and education, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth through extensive training opportunities. Enjoy perks such as free zoo access, generous holiday allowances, and discounts on food and experiences, all while being part of a passionate team dedicated to animal care and visitor engagement.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Primate Keeper in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the park! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Wingham Wildlife Park. Familiarise yourself with their animal care practices and conservation efforts. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to be part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your public speaking skills! Since you'll be leading talks, it’s crucial to feel comfortable in front of crowds. Try rehearsing with friends or family, or even in front of a mirror. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on experience! During the interview, highlight any relevant work you've done with primates or similar species. Share specific examples of your animal husbandry skills and how you’ve contributed to a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Make sure you follow the application instructions carefully. Use the reference 'PRIMATES' in your email title and include all required documents. We want to see your passion for this role!
We think you need these skills to ace Primate Keeper in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with primates and animal husbandry. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about working with primates and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
List Your Species Experience:Don’t forget to include a list of all the species you’ve worked with in your application. This helps us understand your background better and see how you fit into our diverse animal care team.
Follow Application Instructions:Make sure to send your application directly to Mr Matthew Jay and use the reference 'PRIMATES' in the email title. We can’t stress this enough – following instructions shows us you’re detail-oriented and ready to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Primates
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the primate species mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss their behaviours, habitats, and care requirements. This shows your passion for animal husbandry and that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous work in a zoo setting, especially with similar species. Highlight your practical animal husbandry skills and any initiatives you've taken to improve animal care. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and commitment to the role.
✨Practice Public Speaking
Since the role involves leading public talks, practice speaking clearly and confidently about the animals. You could even rehearse a short talk about one of the primate species. This will help you feel more comfortable during the interview and show your communication skills.
✨Be Ready for Practical Tasks
Expect a practical element in the interview. Familiarise yourself with common tasks like diet preparation and cleaning exhibits. Being able to demonstrate these skills will set you apart and show that you're ready to jump right into the role.
