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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for amazing animals, ensure their safety, and engage with visitors daily.
- Company: Join Belfast City Council's dedicated team at the Belfast Zoological Gardens.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop skills, and contribute to animal welfare and conservation.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal care while interacting with the public and educating others.
- Qualifications: One year of zoo-keeping experience and a passion for animal welfare required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and career growth in a vibrant environment.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Belfast City Council is seeking a Zoo Animal Keeper to join the team at Belfast Zoological Gardens. This is a practical, front‑line role focused on maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, enclosure safety and visitor engagement, within a high‑profile public‑sector environment. Reporting to the Curator or other designated officer, the post holder will work as part of a professional team delivering animal care, education, conservation and public interaction services.
Key Responsibilities
- Animal Welfare & Husbandry
- Daily care of Zoo animals including feeding, cleaning, health monitoring and enclosure safety.
- Preparation, storage and administration of animal food.
- Accurate maintenance of animal records including daily reports, quarantine and veterinary documentation.
- Administration of approved medication under veterinary guidance.
- Ongoing training and participation in all aspects of animal husbandry.
- Enclosures, Safety & Maintenance
- Maintain cleanliness, safety and security of enclosures and surrounding areas.
- Carry out minor repairs and maintenance as required.
- Safe use of machinery, equipment and chemicals in line with COSHH and health & safety regulations.
- Act as keyholder for animal enclosures and public areas.
- Implement safety procedures including dangerous animal, escape and lost‑child protocols.
- Liaise with contractors working within animal areas.
- Visitor Engagement & Public Interaction
- Deliver talks, presentations, tours and educational activities.
- Patrol the Zoo and manage visitor behaviour diplomatically.
- Support interactive, fundraising and hospitality events.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders including veterinary teams, senior managers, PSNI and PR teams.
- Supervision & Team Responsibilities
- Supervise volunteers, students, researchers and visitors working in animal areas.
- Support staff induction, training and development.
- Participate in recruitment, selection and HR procedures as required.
Essential Criteria
- Experience
- Applicants must, at the closing date for receipt of applications, be able to demonstrate a minimum of one year's relevant zoo‑keeping experience, evidenced through personal and specific examples on the application form.
- Special Skills & Attributes
- Practical experience of animal husbandry and welfare.
- Strong awareness of health & safety and COSHH requirements.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Confidence communicating with the public and delivering talks or tours.
- Ability to supervise and support volunteers or junior staff.
- Calm decision-making in unforeseen or high‑pressure situations.
- Strong teamwork skills and a flexible, professional approach.
- Willingness to undertake ongoing training and development.
- Physical capability to meet the manual and outdoor demands of the role.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with dangerous or regulated animal species.
- Relevant animal care or zoological qualifications.
- Experience contributing to public education or conservation programmes.
- Previous experience within a local authority or public‑sector setting.
Zoo Keeper in Belfast employer: VanRath
Contact Detail:
VanRath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Zoo Keeper in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the zoo! Before your interview, visit Belfast Zoological Gardens and observe how they operate. This will give you insights into their animal care practices and help you connect with the team during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for animal welfare! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to animal care and conservation. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your public speaking skills! Since you'll be engaging with visitors and delivering talks, it’s crucial to be confident. Try rehearsing in front of friends or family to get comfortable with presenting.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Zoo Keeper in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: When you're writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare and how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We want to see the nitty-gritty of your zoo-keeping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your skills in animal husbandry, safety protocols, and visitor engagement. The more detailed, the better!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the key responsibilities listed, like your ability to maintain accurate records or deliver engaging talks.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Belfast Zoological Gardens.
How to prepare for a job interview at VanRath
✨Know Your Animals
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the animals you'll be caring for. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, diets, and any specific needs they have. This shows your passion for animal welfare and that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Safety First
Understand the health and safety regulations relevant to zoo keeping, especially COSHH requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain enclosure safety and handle emergencies. This will demonstrate your commitment to both animal and visitor safety.
✨Engage with the Public
Think about how you would interact with visitors. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with the public in the past, whether through talks or tours. Show that you can engage and educate while maintaining a calm and professional demeanour.
✨Team Player Mindset
Highlight your teamwork skills and any experience supervising others. Be ready to share examples of how you've supported colleagues or volunteers in previous roles. This will show that you can contribute positively to the team dynamic at Belfast Zoological Gardens.