At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for amazing predators like lions and tigers while ensuring their welfare.
- Company: Join ZSL, a leading conservation charity dedicated to saving wildlife from extinction.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and complimentary zoo tickets.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact on wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant qualifications and practical experience with exotic animals.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Purpose of the role
ZSL is seeking a dedicated zookeeper within the Predator section of our Animal Department at Whipsnade Zoo, one of the UK\'s largest zoos nestled in the beautiful Chiltern Hills.
This exciting opportunity involves caring for an incredible range of mammals, including African lions, Amur tigers, African wild dogs, brown bears, Northern cheetah, lynx, wolverine and short-clawed otters.
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.
This role is offered as a part-time position, working 22 hours a week.
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.
About You
- 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, ideally managing exotic species.
- 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.
- Has 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.
About Us
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.
Zookeeper - Predators in London employer: Zoological Society of London
ZSL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the stunning surroundings of Whipsnade Zoo, where you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare and conservation. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and generous benefits including a pension scheme and annual leave, ZSL fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture that encourages personal and professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation while enjoying the perks of working in one of the UK's largest zoos.
Contact Details:
Zoological Society of London Recruitment Team
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