Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper

Full-Time 20480 - 28800 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Fenn Bell Conservation Project

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as an Animal Keeper, ensuring top-notch care and enrichment for our zoo animals.
  • Company: The Fenn Bell Conservation Project is dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a salary of £25,600, staff discounts, and the chance to work with amazing animals.
  • Other info: Flexibility for weekends and Bank Holidays is essential; heavy lifting involved.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact in animal welfare and conservation.
  • Qualifications: 2 years' experience in a zoo, a full UK driving license, and a love for animals required.

The predicted salary is between 20480 - 28800 £ per year.

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project is looking to hire an Animal Keeper. They need an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to ensure the high standard of daily zoo operations. The responsibilities include assisting the Animal Management team with husbandry and animal welfare, showing initiative, and maintaining a positive outlook. The role also involves training and enrichment of animals, as well as enclosure maintenance.

Requirements include a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a recognized zoo environment, a full UK driving license, and access to a vehicle. A relevant qualification is preferred but not essential; experience with ZIMs is advantageous. The candidate should demonstrate independence and self-reliance, and be willing to work Bank Holidays and weekends on a rota. The position offers a salary of £25,600 per annum, along with staff discounts and other benefits.

Main duties include:

  • Preparing and distributing correct diets
  • Following safety and emergency procedures
  • Maintaining courteous relations with visitors
  • Assisting with animal movement and transport
  • Contributing to species enrichment
  • Supervising and training volunteers and work experience students

The ideal candidate will have experience in zoological collections, awareness of conservation issues, and a passion for animal welfare. Good all-round husbandry skills, enthusiasm for enrichment, and a relevant animal management qualification are desirable. A full valid driving license is required.

The role requires a practical, proactive approach, good organization, and strong communication skills. It is physically demanding, involving heavy lifting, enclosure maintenance, and browse cutting. A flexible approach to working hours is essential, and reliable transport is recommended due to the location.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to Connor Gordon, Head Keeper, at cg@thefennbell.com.

Animal Keeper employer: The Fenn Bell Conservation Project

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where passion for animal welfare and conservation is at the forefront. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages professional growth through hands-on experience in a recognized zoo setting, alongside opportunities to engage with visitors and contribute to meaningful conservation efforts. With competitive salaries, staff discounts, and a commitment to employee well-being, this role is perfect for those looking to make a positive impact in the field of animal care.

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project

Contact Details:

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper

Tip Number 1

Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with animals in a zoo environment during any informal conversations or networking opportunities. This can help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also passionate about animal welfare.

Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the Fenn Bell Conservation Project and its mission. Being able to discuss their specific conservation efforts and how you can contribute will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to demonstrate your practical skills during any interviews or assessments. Consider volunteering at local zoos or wildlife centres to gain additional experience that showcases your ability to handle the physical demands of the job.

Tip Number 4

Network with current or former employees of the Fenn Bell Conservation Project. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying for the Animal Keeper position.

We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper

Animal Husbandry Skills
Knowledge of Animal Welfare Standards
Experience in a Zoo Environment
Enrichment Techniques for Animals
Strong Communication Skills
Teamwork and Collaboration
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in a zoo environment, particularly any roles that involved animal husbandry, welfare, or training. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the conservation project. Mention your passion for animal welfare and any relevant qualifications or experiences that make you a suitable candidate.

Highlight Relevant Skills:Emphasise your practical skills, such as enclosure maintenance and diet preparation. Also, mention your ability to work independently and your strong communication skills, as these are crucial for the role.

Show Your Flexibility:Since the role requires working on Bank Holidays and weekends, make sure to mention your willingness to work flexible hours. This shows your commitment and readiness to meet the demands of the job.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Fenn Bell Conservation Project

Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for animal care and conservation during the interview. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare, as this is a key aspect of the role.

Demonstrate Your Practical Skills

Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience in a zoo environment. Highlight specific tasks you've performed, such as diet preparation or enclosure maintenance, to showcase your practical skills and knowledge.

Emphasise Your Teamwork and Communication Skills

Since the role involves working with a team and interacting with visitors, it's important to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would handle specific situations related to animal care. Think about past experiences where you showed initiative or dealt with challenges, and be ready to discuss them.