At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily zoo operations, ensuring animal welfare and engaging guest experiences.
- Company: Join BIAZA, a leading organisation in animal care and conservation.
- Benefits: Earn £10-£12.21 per hour with flexible part-time hours.
- Other info: Applications close on 31st Aug 2025; apply now to join the adventure!
- Why this job: Work hands-on with animals and educate visitors in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Animal Care or equivalent experience required.
Hobbledown Heath
South East Closing date for applications is: 31st Aug 2025
Contact: Lucy White (lucy@hobbledown.com) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Part-time Salary: £10- £12.21 per hour
The Escapade Group is a dynamic leisure and attractions company, owning and operating five unique visitor destinations within the M25 as well as Watermouth castle. Together, our parks welcome over 1 million guests each year, host thousands of events and birthday parties, and create memorable experiences for families, schools, and animal lovers alike.
We are now looking for an energetic and enthusiastic Part time Zoo Team Member to join the team at Hobbledown Heath, one of our flagship attractions. You’ll have a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in Animal Care (or equivalent) and a minimum of one years experience (paid or volunteering) in a relevant animal role.
Your primary responsibility will be to support the safe and efficient delivery of the daily farm and zoo operations — ensuring exceptional animal welfare, engaging guest experiences, and the smooth running of our animal department.
You will carry out hands-on keeper duties with a variety of species, taking responsibility for all aspects of animal care including daily cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and training — always following strict safety protocols and operational procedures.
You’ll also be part of delivering our popular public talks, educational sessions, and close-up animal experiences such as Junior Zookeeper for a Day, meet-and-greets, and supervised walkthroughs.
Main Responsibilities
- Animal Husbandry & Guest Experiences
- Daily care, cleaning, and feeding of assigned animals and enclosures.
- Diet preparation and feeding as per written diet sheets, delivering enrichment and training under the direction of the Assistant Zoo Manager and the Group Zoo Operations Manager.
- Monitoring animal behaviour, health, and welfare, reporting any issues promptly.
- Assisting with animal movement, training, and handling.
- Delivering engaging educational talks, workshops, and experiences for guests.
- Maintaining exhibits and completing all checks in line with Zoo Licensing requirements.
- Customer Service
- Act as a positive point of contact for visitors, providing directions, answering questions, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
- Report guest feedback, complaints, or incidents to the Assistant Zoo Manager or Group Zoo Operations Manager.
- Handle visitor queries professionally, escalating when necessary.
- Follow procedures for accidents or first aid incidents.
- Presentation & Standards
- Keep enclosures clean and well-presented at all times.
- Maintain the cleanliness of public areas linked to the animal section.
- Safely dispose of animal waste and follow COSHH guidelines for cleaning materials.
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Complete all opening and closing checklists.
- Prepare and deliver diets, and clean enclosures following approved protocols.
- Carry out any tasks as directed by the Assistant Zoo Manager or Group Zoo Operations Manager.
- Health & Safety
- Follow company Health & Safety policies and safe working practices.
- Report hazards, accidents, or near misses immediately.
- Maintain hygiene standards in all work areas.
- Performance & Training
- Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
- Take part in training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
- Work effectively as part of a team, communicating clearly with colleagues across all departments.
- Guest feedback and online reviews (TripAdvisor, Facebook, Google).
- Zoo inspections and audits.
- Opening & closing checklist compliance.
- Level 3 Diploma in Animal Care or equivalent qualification, or comparable paid experience in a zoo or farm park setting.
- A genuine passion for animal welfare and guest engagement
To apply for this role please follow the below link and upload a CV and cover letter
https://my.workforce.com/ats/apply/job/09a2a944-3913-4f80-93fe-01a7abe971d7 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Zoo Team member- Part time in London employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) offers a vibrant work environment at Hobbledown Heath, where passionate individuals can thrive in animal care while engaging with visitors. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have opportunities to enhance your skills through training and hands-on experience, all within a supportive team that values animal welfare and guest engagement. Join us to be part of a unique attraction that creates memorable experiences for families and animal lovers alike.
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Zoo Team member- Part time in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific animal species that Hobbledown Heath cares for. Understanding their behaviours, dietary needs, and habitats will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine passion for animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the zoo community by attending local events or volunteering at similar facilities. This experience can provide valuable insights and connections that may help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with animals in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of your responsibilities and how you ensured animal welfare in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your customer service skills by thinking of ways to enhance guest experiences. Consider how you would engage visitors during educational talks or animal encounters, as this role involves direct interaction with the public.
We think you need these skills to ace Zoo Team member- Part time in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your Level 3 qualification in Animal Care and any relevant experience, whether paid or voluntary. Emphasise your hands-on animal care skills and any customer service experience, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your genuine passion for animal welfare and guest engagement. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle animals and interact positively with visitors. Show enthusiasm for the role and the organisation.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Focus on skills that align with the job description, such as animal husbandry, communication, teamwork, and adherence to health and safety protocols. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate these skills effectively.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential in the animal care sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals during the interview. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to animal care and welfare, as this role requires a deep understanding of and passion for the animals you'll be working with.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to animal husbandry and care. Brush up on your knowledge of animal diets, behaviour monitoring, and enrichment techniques. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your readiness for the hands-on aspects of the job.
✨Engage with Guest Experience Scenarios
Since part of your role involves interacting with guests, be prepared to discuss how you would handle various visitor scenarios. Think about how you would provide excellent customer service, answer questions, and create memorable experiences for guests.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
This position requires effective communication and collaboration with colleagues. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment, especially in high-pressure situations, to show that you can contribute positively to the zoo team.
