Experienced Animal Keeper – Small Carnivore Section (Maternity Cover)

Overview

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join our team of dedicated small carnivore keepers. Our Small carnivore keepers look after our breeding dwarf mongoose group, servals, red-necked wallabies, bush dogs, binturong, red pandas, banded mongoose, caracal, breeding northern lynx, breeding Pallas\’s cats, breeding margay, fossa, coati, rusty spotted cats, meerkats, and clouded leopards.

Responsibilities

As an experienced keeper, you will undertake all duties on the section from general husbandry including cleaning and feeding as well as enclosure maintenance and record keeping. Conservation education plays a big role in the park so there will be plenty of opportunities for leading talks and encounters with the public.

Who Are We Looking For

The ideal candidate will ideally have at least 3 years’ experience as a Keeper, which must include working with Carnivores. You will possess good all-round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of all the carnivore species on the section. You will have awareness of current conservation issues, alongside the ability to confidently interact with the public. You will ideally have confidence around all types of carnivores, with a hands-on approach to the restraint and handling of animals where necessary.

Contract Details

This is a temporary position covering maternity leave, from November 2025 to August 2026, working 40 hours per week, across 5 days out of 7, from 8:00am to 5:00pm with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break, and will include weekends and bank holidays. A flexible approach to working hours is essential in any animal job. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location.

The location

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.

Why You Should Join Us

We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.

You can also expect a host of other roarsome benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, pro-rata to start date, rising with length of service.
• Onsite accommodation might be available.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning.
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
• Company Pension
• And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.

Your adventure awaits

#joinourpride

Please note, this role may close early if we receive a high volume of applications.

To apply: If you want to work in an exciting and unique environment where no two days are the same, email your C.V. and covering letter to recruitment@howlettsandportlympne.com