Location Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU Salary £25,167.35 - £26,698.75 per annum (Experience related scale) Application Deadline Thursday, June 19, 2025 Job Summary
Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in southwest England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.
Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Over 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also an award-winning botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.
We have an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Primates and Carnivores Keeper to join our Mammals team on a permanent contract. You will work 38.75 hours per week over 5 days over a 7 day rolling rota which includes weekends and Bank Holidays. The salary for this role is £25,167.35 - £26,698.75 per annum depending on experienced.
You will be responsible for the hands-on day-to-day husbandry of a large and diverse collection of primates and carnivores including six species of Afro- Eurasian monkeys, neotropical monkeys and Pygmy slow loris, a diverse range of carnivore species, and small mammal species such as; Short beaked Echidna and three banded Armadillo. You will focus on animal welfare, biosecurity, record keeping and ensuring that exhibits are maintained to the highest standards.
It is essential that you will have at least 2 years of prior experience working with either carnivores or Category 1 primates in a zoological collection or similar establishment. Experience of working with both species would be advantageous. You will have a broad knowledge of husbandry practices. You will have good observation skills and attention to detail is essential for the monitoring of animal health and the welfare of the collection as well as a working knowledge of ZIMs and record keeping skills. You must be highly motivated with a positive outlook and the willingness to adapt to an ever-changing department.
Benefits of joining our team include:
- 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Branded uniform provided (as required)
- Relevant internal and external training providedincluding First Aid and Mental Health First Aid
- Free entry to our zoos for staff and family
- Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
- Free staff parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Opportunities to join our Firearms team (subject to conditions)
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Job Profile Job Profile document#J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Primates and Carnivores Keeper in Paignton
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like Wild Planet Trust, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like Wild Planet Trust, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at Wild Planet Trust.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at Wild Planet Trust.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Primates and Carnivores Keeper at Wild Planet Trust.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at Wild Planet Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Planet Trust
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at Wild Planet Trust.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at Wild Planet Trust are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
