At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for amazing small carnivores and engage with the public through conservation education.
- Company: Join the passionate team at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in beautiful Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, onsite accommodation, and discounts on food and retail.
- Other info: Flexible hours, dynamic environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while working with rare species.
- Qualifications: 3+ years experience with carnivores and strong animal husbandry skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 28500 £ per year.
Overview
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join our team of dedicated small carnivore keepers. This is a maternity cover (9 months) for the Small Carnivore Section, covering a range of species including dwarf mongoose, servals, red-necked wallabies, bush dogs, binturong, red pandas, banded mongoose, caracal, northern lynx, Pallas\'s cats, margay, fossa, coati, rusty spotted cats, meerkats, and clouded leopards. Flexible 40-hour week; 8:00am to 5:00pm with 1-hour lunch; weekends and bank holidays required. Salary up to £28,500 per annum DOE, plus benefits. Closing date for applications: 30 September 2025. Contract type: Full-time Fixed Term, from November 2025 to August 2026.
Responsibilities
- Carry out general husbandry, including cleaning, feeding, enclosure maintenance, and accurate record keeping on the small carnivore section.
- Contribute to conservation education through talks and public encounters.
- Support enrichment and welfare of carnivore species; hands-on restraint and handling where necessary.
- Work as part of a team to maintain high standards of animal care and safety.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Ideally 3+ years\\\' experience as a Keeper, including work with carnivores.
- Good all-round animal husbandry skills; awareness of conservation issues; confident with the public.
- Physically fit; full valid driving licence; driving/operational licenses (gun, trailer, strimmer) advantageous.
- Desirable: recognised Animal Management qualification; knowledge of H&S and risk assessments.
- Right to work in the UK; reliable transport essential due to remote location.
Contract details
Temporary maternity cover position, 11 November 2025 to 31 August 2026, 40 hours per week across 5 days out of 7, 8:00am–5:00pm with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break; includes weekends and bank holidays.
Location
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Kent, 600 acres of savannah; home to rare and endangered species with conservation in action.
Benefits and Why join us
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, pro-rata to start date, rising with length of service
- Onsite accommodation may be available
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities
- Enhanced sickness, maternity and paternity policies
- Unlimited free entry for you and a guest to both parks, plus friends and family tickets
- Discounts on food, retail and accommodation; 24-hour counselling line
- Company pension
- Other length/service related rewards and benefits
Other
#joinourpride
Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.
Animal Keeper - Small Carnivore Section (Maternity Cover) in Maidstone employer: Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of small carnivores in a stunning 600-acre conservation-focused environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, and the chance to engage in meaningful conservation education, this role promises a rewarding experience for those passionate about animal care and welfare.
Contact Details:
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper - Small Carnivore Section (Maternity Cover) in Maidstone
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We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper - Small Carnivore Section (Maternity Cover) in Maidstone
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Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
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✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
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