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- 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
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.
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Zookeeper - Predators employer: Zoological Society of London
Contact Detail:
Zoological Society of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Zookeeper - Predators
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific species you'll be working with, such as African lions and Amur tigers. Understanding their behaviours and needs will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine passion for animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former zookeepers to gain insights into the role and the work environment. They can provide valuable tips on what ZSL looks for in candidates and may even refer you internally.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any hands-on experience you have with exotic animals, especially in a zoo setting. Practical skills are crucial, so be ready to discuss specific tasks you've performed that relate to animal care and husbandry.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to conservation and animal welfare in your conversations. ZSL values employees who share their mission, so be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Zookeeper - Predators
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any practical work with exotic species. Include specific examples of your animal care skills and any qualifications like the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or DMZAA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal welfare and conservation. Mention your understanding of the role's responsibilities, such as food preparation and hygiene standards, and how your background aligns with these tasks.
Showcase Your Initiative: In your application, emphasise instances where you demonstrated initiative in previous roles. Discuss how you contributed to animal enrichment or improved husbandry practices, as this aligns with the job's focus on high standards of care.
Highlight Teamwork and Independence: Provide examples of how you've successfully worked both independently and as part of a team. This is crucial for the role, as it involves collaboration with colleagues while also managing individual tasks effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London
✨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 animal care, especially with exotic species, to demonstrate your dedication.
✨Highlight Relevant Qualifications
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, such as the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or DMZAA. Emphasise how these have equipped you with the skills necessary for the role, particularly in husbandry and enrichment.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Initiative
ZSL values teamwork, so be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. Also, showcase instances where you've taken initiative to improve processes or animal care.
✨Prepare Questions About Conservation Efforts
Show your interest in ZSL's mission by preparing thoughtful questions about their conservation efforts and how the role contributes to these goals. This will demonstrate your alignment with their vision and purpose.