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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals, engage with visitors, and support conservation efforts.
- Company: Join a public sector organisation dedicated to animal welfare and education.
- Benefits: Temporary contract with competitive pay and public sector perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care and inspire the public.
- Qualifications: 1+ years of zookeeping experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Gain valuable experience in a vibrant and engaging environment.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are proud to be working in partnership with a public sector organisation to recruit a Zookeeper for a temporary opportunity based in Belfast. This is a hands-on role for an experienced Zookeeper who is passionate about animal welfare, conservation, and public engagement. The successful candidate will play a key role in the day-to-day care of animals while also contributing to the Zoo's education, safety, and visitor experience.
The Role
- Deliver high standards of animal welfare and husbandry across a range of species
- Support conservation, enrichment, and behavioural programmes
- Engage with visitors through animal talks, presentations, tours, and events
- Supervise and support volunteers, students, and visitors within animal areas
- Maintain accurate animal, veterinary, and quarantine records
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, animal welfare, and safeguarding procedures
- Contribute to Zoo events, fundraising, and public engagement activities
- Act as a professional ambassador for the Zoo
The Person
- Minimum of 1 year's relevant zookeeping experience (essential)
- Strong understanding of animal husbandry and the role of the modern zoo
- Confident communicator with the ability to engage the public through talks and events
- Excellent organisational skills with a strong focus on animal welfare and safety
- Good awareness of health & safety legislation and procedures
- 2+ years' relevant zookeeping experience
- A relevant qualification such as City & Guilds Zoo Animal Management, ANC/Diploma in Zoo Animal Management, or equivalent
What's on Offer
- Temporary contract within a public sector organisation
- Opportunity to gain valuable experience in a highly engaging environment
- Grade 4 pay and associated public sector benefits
To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Ruairi McCann, Recruitment Manager at Vickerstock 02890 313720. Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit Vickerstock to view a wide selection of our current jobs. All conversations will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Zoo Keeper in Belfast employer: Vickerstock
Contact Detail:
Vickerstock 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 the zoo and engage with the staff. This shows your passion for animal welfare and gives you insights that can help you stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a zookeeper, you'll need to engage with the public. Prepare some fun facts or stories about animals to share during your interview to showcase your ability to connect with visitors.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of your zookeeping duties, like animal care routines or conservation efforts, to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site for the best chance of landing that zookeeper role. It’s quick and easy, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Zoo Keeper in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for animal welfare and conservation shine through. We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the animals and their well-being.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your zookeeping experience clearly. We’re looking for at least a year of hands-on work, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills in animal husbandry and public engagement.
Be Engaging and Personable: Since this role involves interacting with visitors, your application should reflect your communication skills. Use a friendly tone and share any experiences where you’ve successfully engaged the public through talks or events.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your CV gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the animals you'll be caring for. Understand their behaviours, dietary needs, and any specific conservation efforts related to them. This will show your passion for animal welfare and help you engage confidently during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Zookeeper, engaging with the public is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with visitors or led educational talks in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with people and promote the Zoo's mission.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage your time and tasks effectively, especially when it comes to animal care and record-keeping. Mention any systems or methods you use to ensure high standards of animal welfare and safety.
✨Understand Health & Safety Protocols
Familiarise yourself with health and safety legislation relevant to zookeeping. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your daily work and how you would handle potential safety issues in the Zoo environment.
