Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our animal keeping teams to ensure top-notch animal care and welfare.
- Company: Chester Zoo, a leading conservation and education organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a staff pass for zoo visits, gym discounts, and more perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and learning in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a difference in animal welfare.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; passion for animals is a must!
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 £ per year.
Our Apprentice Keeper’s will play a key role working as part of our professional animal keeping teams, to ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibitory are maintained across the zoo.
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.
What You'll Do At Work
Apprentice Keepers will form part of our animal keeping teams; there are 10 positions across mammals, birds and ectotherms.
Key Responsibilities
- To maintain excellent husbandry, health and welfare for species
- To understand/adhere to risk assessments and safe operating procedures.
- To promote our mission through interactions with our visitors on site.
- To understand all aspects of record keeping/report writing including husbandry, enrichment and diets.
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
- GCSE in: English (grade C/4 or above - Evidence Needed)
- Maths (grade C/4 or above - Evidence Needed)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Presentation skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Time Management
- Willing to learn new skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Other Requirements
This is a physical role and the role holder will spend a significant amount of time either outdoors or in temperature controlled environments. The roles will involve a range of manual tasks. No transport or accommodation can be provided by Chester Zoo.
If no confirmed GCSE Maths and English added applications will be made unsuccessful regardless of if there is a degree showing, due to entry requirements for Apprenticeship. Any Maths and English qualifications will be asked to provide evidence if shortlisted. We cannot accept predicted Maths and English grades.
Achieved qualifications closely related to Keeper and aquarist Level 3 will need to be cross checked for eligibility to ensure new skills and knowledge would be delivered. Please also add detail of any pathways taken within Animal Management qualifications. All animal/zoo related qualifications must be declared, failure to do so could result in your application being withdrawn.
If we are interested in taking your application further, you will receive an email from a Derby College email address (apprenticeships@derby-college.ac.uk). Please make sure to check your Inbox as well as your Spam/Junk folders, to avoid missing out on this opportunity. Failure to respond to emails will lead to withdrawal of your application.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early due to the number of applicants so please be sure to apply promptly, previously the vacancy has been closed after 10 days.
Company Benefits
- Staff pass to visit the zoo during time off and multiple tickets for friends and family.
- Discounted gym pass.
- Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants + major shops.
- Pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
Apprentice Keeper employer: Chester Zoo
Contact Detail:
Chester Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Keeper
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the zoo! Before your interview, spend some time learning about the animals and their habitats. This shows your passion for the role and helps you connect with the team during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As an Apprentice Keeper, you'll be interacting with visitors. Try role-playing with friends or family to boost your confidence in sharing information about the animals.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Think of examples from school or previous jobs where you worked well in a team. This will help you demonstrate that you're ready to jump into the animal keeping teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on your emails after applying – we’ll reach out if we want to take things further!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Keeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications: Make sure to highlight your GCSEs in English and Maths right at the start. We need to see that you’ve got those grades (C/4 or above) to move forward, so don’t forget to include any other relevant qualifications or experience in animal management too!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We love a good story, but make sure you’re also showcasing your skills and experiences that relate directly to the role of an Apprentice Keeper.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor it to the specific role of Apprentice Keeper. Mention your passion for animal welfare and any hands-on experience you have, as this will really catch our eye.
Check Your Inbox Regularly: If we’re interested in your application, you’ll hear from us via a Derby College email. Keep an eye on your inbox and spam folder to ensure you don’t miss out on any important updates. Responding quickly is key!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Know Your Animals
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the animals you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with their habitats, diets, and behaviours. This will not only show your passion for animal care but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards of husbandry.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Highlight your communication and teamwork skills during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team or communicated with others, especially in stressful situations. This is crucial in a role where you'll be interacting with both animals and visitors.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your understanding of risk assessments and safe operating procedures. Think about scenarios you might face as an Apprentice Keeper and how you would handle them. This shows that you're not just passionate but also practical and safety-conscious.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the apprenticeship programme or the zoo's mission. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand what’s expected of you. Plus, it gives you a chance to see if the environment aligns with your values.