Trainee Animal Keeper in London

Hertfordshire Zoo

UK
Closing date for applications is: 7th Dec 2025
Contact: Lisa Pressland ) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Part-time Salary: National Minimum Wage (currently £7.55–£12.21 per hour, based on age)

Hertfordshire Zoo is currently seeking a Trainee Cover Keeper to support our Keeper team on a casual basis. This role offers the opportunity to work with a broad range of species across multiple animal sections and is well-suited to individuals looking to gain further experience within a zoological environment. We are looking for candidates who are reliable, willing to learn, adaptable, and committed to maintaining high standards of animal care and visitor engagement.

As a Trainee Cover Keeper, you will assist with a wide variety of animal care tasks across the zoo\’s five main sections: Paddocks & Farm, Primates & Small Mammals, Birds, Ectotherms and Cats.

Main Responsibilities And Duties

• Daily animal husbandry (feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision)
• Enclosure maintenance and checks
• Supporting and delivering visitor experiences, including Keeper Talks and Animal Experiences
• Recording observations and maintaining accurate animal records
• Supervising and working alongside volunteers and work experience students
• Supporting general site maintenance and visitor services when required

Job Details

• Causal hours available throughout the year, generally 3-4 days per week
• Hours: Summer , Winter
• Applicants must be available and happy to work weekends,