Job Description

Keeper - Herpetology and Invertebrates
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Keeper in our Herpetology & Invertebrates team, working in a setting like no other!
For the right candidate, this post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a variety of species of reptiles and amphibian's species including Komodo dragons, Mountain chicken frogs, Montseny brook newts, Ploughshare tortoises, Bermuda skinks, Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko, Sunda gharials and Parsons chameleons, Desertas and Bermuda Snails, to name a few.
The successful candidate will assist in all aspects of animal welfare, hygiene and life support. They will ensure that all exhibits are of an excellent standard for both animals and visitors alike and provide outstanding customer care.
The Package

• Full time contract
• Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.
• 33 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Salary of 26,500 per annum to include the pay award effective January 2025
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends
• Access to healthcare plan
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%

Our Requirements

• A HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience
• Proven experience of working in a Zoo or Aquarium setting with relevant Ectotherms in particular Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates
• Outstanding observational skills, attention to detail and be committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of animal health and welfare are met
• A thorough understanding of the contribution that ex situ populations can make to education, science and conservation
• Excellent exhibit theming skills
• Strong teamwork skills, adaptable to work in a group and independently
• Good competence in internal and external communications
• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including Microsoft Teams, ZIMS software, in order to maintain accurate records
• Although not essential, the following would be desirable:
• Experience of working in field conservation and conducting research projects
• Experience in conducting and publishing scientific research

More About Us
We're not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that's home to 30,000 incredible animals. We're not just the UK's most popular zoo. We're a major wildlife charity that's committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we're making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it's needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
As the UK's biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there's always lots going on here. We're an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development.
We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.

Skills Required