At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for amazing animals, engage visitors, and support conservation efforts.
- Company: Paignton Zoo, a leading conservation organisation and popular attraction.
- Benefits: 33 days paid holiday, training opportunities, discounts, and free zoo entry for loved ones.
- Other info: Join a passionate team in a dynamic, rewarding environment.
- 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: Paignton Zoo. Salary: £10,244.26 – £10,679.50 per annum depending on experience. Application Deadline: Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Job Summary: Paignton Zoo, originally opened in 1923 as the Torbay Zoological Gardens, has evolved into one of the South West’s leading conservation organisations and most popular visitor attractions. Today, it houses more than 230 animal species, making it a vital hub for education, conservation, and inspiration.
Do you live and breathe animal care? Love getting hands‑on, working outdoors, and making a real difference? Join us as a Keeper and be part of something truly special. From caring for incredible species to inspiring visitors, no two days are ever the same. You’ll play a key role in animal welfare, conservation, and creating unforgettable guest experiences—all while working with a passionate, dedicated team. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, get stuck in, and be part of an environment full of energy, purpose, and wildlife… this one’s for you.
The Role: As a Keeper, you’ll be at the heart of animal care and guest engagement. Your days will be varied, active, and incredibly rewarding. You’ll:
- 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
You’ll play a vital role in ensuring both animals and visitors have the very best experience.
About You: You’ll bring:
- Relevant animal care qualification (DMZAA, Level 3 Keeper Apprenticeship) or a minimum of two years paid keeper experience
- 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
If you’re ready to make a real difference for animals and visitors alike, we’d love to hear from you! At Paignton Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. We offer a benefits package that includes 33 days of paid holiday pro‑rata (including Bank Holidays), access to top‑tier training (e.g., First Aid, tractor driving), free zoo entry for loved ones, discounts on food and retail, free staff parking, and support 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 Paignton employer: Wild Planet Trust
At Paignton Zoo, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises both animal welfare and employee well-being. As a Keeper, you will enjoy a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in making a meaningful impact on conservation while working in one of the South West's most inspiring locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Keeper in Paignton
✨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 Paignton
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.
