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- Tasks: Care for a diverse range of amazing animals and engage with the public.
- Company: Dartmoor Zoo, a conservation-focused organisation in beautiful countryside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days leave, free zoo entry for family, and discounts.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Degree in biology or related field and extensive zoo experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal development and training.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced zookeeper to join our fantastic animal care team as we develop our collection. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a wide range of species, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, hoof stock, wolves, tapir, gelada and cats (lion, tiger, jaguar, leopard, cheetah, lynx, and wildcat).
Background
Dartmoor Zoo is set in 33 acres of beautiful wooded countryside on the edge of Dartmoor, in a small village called Sparkwell, just 20 minutes from the city of Plymouth. The zoo is currently undergoing a transformation through a comprehensive new Master Plan and Collection Plan aimed at overhauling its collection, exhibits and visitor facilities. Operated by the Dartmoor Zoological Society, our vision is to protect threatened species, promote wildlife conservation and enhance public awareness about biodiversity.
Benefits
- Salary dependent on experience
- Permanent contract
- Average 37.5 hours per week (rota basis)
- 30 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Enhanced sick absence, maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Discounts in restaurant and shop
- Free zoo entrance for immediate family
- Free parking
- Assistance in finding accommodation if you need to relocate
Job Holder Expectations
- Assist or lead in the daily management and care of all animals, including husbandry, cleaning, food preparation, feeding, enclosure maintenance, enrichment, observations, medical treatment, and positive reinforcement training.
- Maintain organised written records for animal health, feeding, water quality, and behavioural observations.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, provide guidance and supervision to team members and volunteers, and engage enthusiastically with the public through animal experiences and talks.
- Strictly adhere to safe working practices and actively pursue ongoing training and personal development.
Applicants Must Have
- A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
- Extensive paid experience in caring for exotic animals in a zoo setting.
- Knowledge of and/or experience with all species in the collection, preferably including big cats or other cat 1 animals.
- Demonstrable initiative, excellent written and oral communication skills, and proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software (including a basic knowledge of ZIMS).
- Good physical health, with the ability to perform strenuous tasks in all weather conditions and work weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays on a rota basis.
- A full driving licence and eligibility to work in the UK.
To Apply
Please complete the application form available at www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/job-vacancies and submit your application via the online portal. Direct any questions to clare.lee@dartmoorzoo.co.uk.
Dartmoor Zoological Society is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Reg. No. 1158422). Registered office: Dartmoor Zoological Park, Sparkwell, Plymouth, PL7 5DG.
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Experienced Zoo Animal Keeper employer: Kate on Conservation
Contact Detail:
Kate on Conservation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Zoo Animal Keeper
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the zoo and its animals before your interview. Research their collection, especially the species you'll be working with. This shows your passion and helps you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current zookeepers or staff at Dartmoor Zoo. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Brush up on your animal care skills and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview. We want to see your hands-on experience shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our amazing team at Dartmoor Zoo.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Zoo Animal Keeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your dedication to animal care and conservation. We want to see your enthusiasm for working with a diverse range of species.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the job description. Highlight any relevant work with exotic animals, especially big cats, as this will catch our eye. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Keep It Organised: Since maintaining records is part of the role, show us you can do this from the get-go. Structure your application clearly, using headings and bullet points where necessary. This will make it easier for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our online portal at www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/job-vacancies. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details, and we can’t wait to read what you’ve got to say!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kate on Conservation
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the species listed in the job description. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, habitats, and care requirements. This will not only show your passion for animal care but also demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles where you've successfully managed animal care tasks. Whether it's feeding, training, or medical treatment, having concrete stories will help illustrate your expertise and make you stand out.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, express your excitement about working with animals and engaging with the public. Share ideas on how you would enhance visitor experiences through talks or demonstrations. This shows that you’re not just about the animals, but also about educating and inspiring others.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the zoo's transformation plans or the specific challenges they face with their collection. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation, and it gives you a chance to assess if it’s the right fit for you too.