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 top attraction in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, life insurance, staff discounts, and free parking.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with relocation assistance and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a difference in animal conservation and education.
- Qualifications: Two years of animal training experience and a current driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 26785 - 26785 £ per year.
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, Scotland, near Stirling
Closing date for applications is: 1st Jun 2026
Contact: Emily Boyd (recruitment@blairdrummond.com)
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, at the time, one of Britain’s first safari parks. We are now one of the most popular visitor attractions in Scotland. The Park has a strong focus on conservation, education and the local community. We also run a successful fundraising program for conservation “link to the wild”.
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. Furthermore, 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 and ensuring that health & safety protocols are always followed.
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:
Selection Process: 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.
Marine Mammal Keeper: Sea Lions & Penguins 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 such as 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 provides unique opportunities to work closely with marine mammals while contributing to educational initiatives and 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 Marine Mammal Keeper: Sea Lions & Penguins
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to animal care and training. Think about your past experiences with marine mammals and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have any videos or photos of your previous work with animals, bring them along to the interview. Visuals can really help demonstrate your experience and passion for animal care, especially when it comes to sea lions and penguins.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email to Emily Boyd can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, don’t forget to apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace Marine Mammal Keeper: Sea Lions & Penguins
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for marine mammals shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for working with sea lions and penguins, so share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your passion for animal care.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your animal training experience and any qualifications you have that relate to marine mammals. We’re looking for specific skills, so don’t be shy about showcasing what makes you a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our Careers Page! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park!
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 experience in detail. Highlight specific examples of classical and operant conditioning you've used, and how these methods have benefited the animals you've worked with.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Since safety is a top priority, be prepared to talk about how you follow health and safety protocols in your work. Share any relevant experiences where you ensured the safety of animals, staff, and visitors.
✨Engage with Presentation Skills
As part of the role involves public presentations, practice how you would engage an audience. Think about how you can make your presentations informative and entertaining, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively.