At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals, engage with visitors, and support conservation efforts.
- Company: Newquay Zoo, a leading wildlife attraction in Cornwall.
- Benefits: 33 days paid holiday, free zoo entry for family, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to conservation and education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare and inspire visitors every day.
- Qualifications: Animal care qualification or two years of keeper experience required.
The predicted salary is between 10244 - 10679 £ per year.
Location: Newquay Zoo
Salary: £10,244.26 - £10,679.50 per annum depending on experience
Application Deadline: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Since opening its gates in 1969, Newquay Zoo has been inspiring visitors with amazing wildlife experiences and a commitment to conservation. Today, as one of Cornwall's leading visitor attractions, we continue to connect people with nature and are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and be part of our story.
Do you live and breathe animal care? Love getting hands-on, working outdoors, and making a real difference? We are seeking to appoint an experienced Keeper to join our dedicated Animal Team at Newquay Zoo. This exciting opportunity is a permanent position working a minimum of 15.5 hours per week. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high standards of animal husbandry, welfare and enrichment, while contributing to the zoo's conservation, education and visitor engagement objectives.
The Role:
- Deliver high standards of animal care including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment
- Monitor animal health and behaviour, keeping accurate records
- Prepare and present diets to meet nutritional needs
- Maintain clean, safe, and engaging enclosures
- Support veterinary care and report any concerns promptly
- Take part in animal training and enrichment activities
- Deliver talks, feeds, and memorable animal experiences for visitors
- Engage guests with conservation messages and answer questions
- Work closely with your team and support volunteers or trainees
- Assist with daily operations, including weekends, evenings, and occasional lock-ups
About You:
We're looking for passionate, knowledgeable, and proactive individuals who thrive in a hands-on environment:
- Relevant animal care qualification (DMZAA, Level 3 Keeper Apprenticeship) or a minimum of two years paid keeper experience
- Experience of working with a variety of Taxa including mammals and birds
- Practical experience in animal husbandry (feeding, cleaning, enrichment, enclosure care)
- Experience observing animals and maintaining accurate records
- Confidence engaging with the public through talks, tours, or experiences
- Strong understanding of animal welfare and husbandry principles
- Ability to work safely and follow procedures
- Excellent teamwork skills and a positive, proactive attitude
You Are:
- Passionate about animal welfare and conservation
- Calm, resilient, and able to handle busy or challenging situations
- A confident communicator who can engage all types of visitors
- Highly organised with great attention to detail
- A team player who brings enthusiasm and energy
- Adaptable, reliable, and always ready to learn
- Happy to work weekends, bank holidays, and occasional evenings
What You’ll Help Create:
- Happy, healthy animals with the highest welfare standards
- Engaging, educational moments that inspire visitors
- Safe, well-maintained enclosures and environments
- A knowledgeable, collaborative keeper team
- A positive impact on conservation and education efforts
At Newquay Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That's why we offer a benefits package that's packed with perks: enjoy 33 days of paid holiday pro-rata (yes, even Bank Holidays!) and access to top-tier training-from First Aid to driving a tractor. Your family can join the adventure too, with free zoo entry for loved ones, plus sweet discounts on food and retail while you're on site. We'll make parking a breeze with free staff spaces and support your wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme.
We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn't just a policy-it's part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.
Keeper in Newquay employer: Wild Planet Trust
Newquay Zoo is an exceptional employer that fosters a passionate work culture centred around animal welfare and conservation. With opportunities for professional growth and development, employees are encouraged to engage with visitors and contribute to meaningful educational initiatives, all while working in a beautiful coastal location that enhances the overall experience of both staff and guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Keeper in Newquay
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Wild Planet Trust often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Keeper in Newquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Wild Planet Trust does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Planet Trust
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Wild Planet Trust will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Wild Planet Trust.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Wild Planet Trust.
