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- Tasks: Care for elephants, ensuring their wellbeing and engaging with visitors daily.
- Company: Join ZSL, a leading conservation charity dedicated to saving wildlife.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts at our zoos.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while working with amazing animals.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and relevant qualifications are essential.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Zookeeper – Elephants role at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
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Join to apply for the Zookeeper – Elephants role at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
ZSL is seeking a dedicated Zookeeper to join our Elephant team at Whipsnade Zoo, one of the UK\’s largest zoo\’s nestled in the beautiful Chiltern Hills. This is a unique opportunity to work with incredible animals, support their wellbeing, and engage with visitors, bringing the wonders of the natural world to life.
As a vital team member, you will ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry, play an active role in enrichment and training programmes, and help create engaging experiences for visitors. You will work closely with the section manager, team leader, and colleagues, supporting all aspects of daily care and conservation efforts for these amazing species.
The ZSL Zoos operate 7 days a week and requires an average of 37.5 hours per week on a rota (which includes weekends and bank holidays). This position is offered as a 12-month fixed term maternity cover.
Key responsibilities:
- Food Preparation: Preparation of approved diets and the carrying out of feeding procedures.
- Hygiene and Cleaning: Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene by cleaning and maintaining exhibits, equipment, and other designated areas.
- Husbandry and Enrichment: Contribute to the development of high standards of husbandry and welfare, developing innovative, enriching, and aesthetic enclosures with the team.
- Animal Observation: Observe the behaviour, health, and security of animals and report concerns and problems to Lead Keepers or Section Manager.
- Successfully completed the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA), or an equivalent qualification.
- Practical experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium.
- You\’re comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, with a positive and flexible approach to physical, hands-on work.
- Demonstrates initiative and a proactive, sustainable approach to completing tasks that benefit the department, maximising productivity and efficiency.
- Can work effectively both as part of a team and independently to carry out section tasks.
- Demonstrates professionalism through punctuality, reliability, integrity, and a diligent work ethic.
- Hold a full, valid UK Driving Licence.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate\’s right to work in the UK.
We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.
Our vision and mission
We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
What do we offer?
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:
- Our vision and purpose – you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
- Pension scheme -we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
- Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you
- Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
- Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops
- Cycle2Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle
- Season ticket loan – we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work
- Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.
It’s important to personalise your application to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.
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Zookeeper - Elephants employer: Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Contact Detail:
Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Zookeeper - Elephants
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and behaviours of elephants. Understanding their social structures, dietary requirements, and enrichment activities will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering or interning at local zoos or wildlife sanctuaries. This practical exposure will enhance your skills and provide you with valuable insights into animal care, which is crucial for a Zookeeper position.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field. Attend zoo-related events, workshops, or online forums to connect with current zookeepers and conservationists. They can offer advice, mentorship, and potentially even referrals for job openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in animal welfare and conservation. Follow relevant publications, join online communities, and engage with organisations like ZSL. Demonstrating your commitment to ongoing learning can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Zookeeper - Elephants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any practical work with animals or in a zoo environment. Emphasise skills related to animal husbandry, hygiene, and teamwork.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal welfare and conservation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to contribute to the Elephant team and engage with visitors.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state any qualifications you have, such as the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals. This will show you meet the essential criteria.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, highlight soft skills like reliability, professionalism, and a proactive approach. These are crucial for working effectively both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals and commitment to their welfare. Share any relevant experiences you've had with animals, especially elephants, to demonstrate your dedication to their care.
✨Highlight Relevant Qualifications
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, such as the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals. If you have practical experience, make sure to highlight it during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Independence
ZSL values both teamwork and the ability to work independently. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles, as well as instances where you've taken initiative on your own.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical knowledge and skills related to animal husbandry, hygiene, and enrichment. Brush up on best practices and be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios involving elephant care.
