At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise animal care, engage visitors, and ensure top-notch animal welfare.
- Company: Join RZSS, a leading wildlife conservation charity in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare plan, and free zoo access.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation while working with amazing animals.
- Qualifications: Professional zookeeper qualification and strong animal management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32469 - 32469 £ per year.
RZSS Highland Wildlife Park
Closing date for applications is: 2nd Jul 2026
Contact: Lucy Petrie (lpetrie@rzss.org.uk)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid Contract, Full‑time
Salary: £29,131 or £29,859 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £32,469 per annum
About Us
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.
How You’ll Contribute To Our Mission
With direction from your Team Leader, you will supervise delivery of day‑to‑day operations of the allocated animal section and all related animal projects whilst aiming to optimise the quality of animal welfare and visitor experience and support the delivery of all aspects of an innovative and engaging programme of live‑animal interactive activities to engage and excite visitors in support of RZSS’ vision and mission.
Responsibilities
- Supervise all aspects of the day‑to‑day operation of the allocated animal section, e.g. rota management, staff development and signing off completed sections.
- Ensure animal welfare, husbandry and management is of the highest standard, taking into account relevant legislation and best practice.
- Contribute to enclosure design and supervise maintenance, enrichment and habitat furnishing to ensure it meets all the needs of the animal and is presentable to the public, including positive visitor engagement and suggesting ideas for development to team manager.
- Engage with and support visitors, ensuring your message is consistent with team objectives and in line with RZSS’ mission and vision while providing first‑class customer care and service, e.g. answering visitor queries and undertaking public talks, tours and experiences.
- Ensure you and your team collate and record detailed and accurate animal records in relation to the good management of the animals including enrichment and training plans, and to ensure accurate data (e.g. weights, behaviours, births, deaths and treatments received) can be input to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) or other relevant databases.
- Supervise, motivate, develop and review team members, following good management practice and working within HR policy guidelines, so their performance meets or exceeds the agreed performance standards.
Qualifications and Experience
- Professional qualification meeting the requirements of the European Professional Zookeepers Qualification Framework (zookeepers.eu/framework/) (e.g. Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA)) or equivalent qualifications and experience.
- Knowledge and understanding of zoological legislation and best practice.
- Knowledge and skills of good animal management.
- Working knowledge of ZIMS and other zoo‑related management systems is desirable.
- Competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Benefits
- Starting pro‑rated salary of £29,131 or £29,859 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £32,469 per annum.
- 37.5‑hour working week (may require some weekend working).
- 34 days annual leave (pro‑rata).
- Discounts in both retail and catering.
- Access to a healthcare plan.
- Access to employee assistance programme (EAP) providing 24‑hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice.
- Employer contributory pension scheme.
- Staff membership giving you and family/friends free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other zoos across the UK.
Equal Opportunities
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010.
Senior Animal Keeper employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
At RZSS Highland Wildlife Park, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to wildlife conservation and the well-being of our staff. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, while our generous benefits package, including a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and access to healthcare, ensures that our employees feel valued and motivated. Join us in making a meaningful impact on animal welfare and visitor engagement in the stunning surroundings of the Scottish Highlands.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
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We think this is how you could land Senior Animal Keeper
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