Zookeeper Domestic Species

London, ENG, GB, United Kingdom

Job Description

###

Purpose of the role




We have an exciting opportunity for a Zookeeper to join the Domestic section at Whipsnade Zoo, the UK's largest zoo, set in over 600 acres of beautiful countryside and home to more than 11,000 animals.
In this role, you'll be a part of a dedicated and passionate team of zookeepers who are committed to continually improving welfare and husbandry for a diverse range of domestic species. The section cares for a variety of rare and traditional breeds recognised by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), including Dartmoor Ponies, Shetland Cattle, Middle White pigs, Bagot goats, Guernsey goats, Boreray sheep, Soay sheep, Manx Loaghtan sheep, and Grey Faced Dartmoor sheep. The team also manages a large herd of Soay sheep, Bagot, and Cashmere goats for conservation grazing across our Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

ZSL's zoos operate 7 days a week. This position is offered at 37.5 hours per week, worked on a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays.

Key responsibilities:




Maintenance and hygiene:

Ensuring the highest standards of hygiene by cleaning and maintaining exhibits, equipment, and other designated areas.

Animal husbandry:

Contribute to the development of high standards of husbandry and welfare, developing innovative, enriching, and aesthetic enclosures with the team.

Behaviour and Welfare:

Observe the behaviour, health and security of animals and report concerns and problems to Lead Keepers or Section Manager.

Training and Enrichment:

Assist and develop animal training enrichment programmes.

Visitor Engagement:

Create a positive visitor experience by engaging effectively with customers through talks and demonstrations.

Record Keeping:

Data entry to animal records and onto daily record sheets, risk assessments and the ZIMS database.
###

About You




Successful completion of the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) qualification (or equivalent). Practical experience of working with animals in a Zoo or aquarium (preferably Domestic in a zoological or similar setting). Ability to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department. Ability to deliver keeper talks and presentations. Capable of supporting volunteers, apprentices, students, and colleagues as requested. A full manual driving license. This role is physically demanding and may involve extended periods of standing, walking, lifting, carrying, and other manual tasks. It also requires working in a variety of environments, including outdoors in all weather conditions and indoors in areas with artificially high temperatures and close proximity to animals.
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.

Beware of fraud agents! do not pay money to get a job

MNCJobs.co.uk will not be responsible for any payment made to a third-party. All Terms of Use are applicable.


Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD3464336
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    London, ENG, GB, United Kingdom
  • Education
    Not mentioned