Animal Keeper

Leeds City Council; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal council in the UK is seeking an experienced Animal Keeper to ensure high standards of animal husbandry primarily at Tropical World. The role involves daily care responsibilities, assisting with animal health checks, and contributing to educational activities for visitors. Ideal candidates will have a diploma in Zoo Management, at least 5 years of relevant experience, and exceptional skills in animal care. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, including generous pension contributions and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave entitlement

Membership of West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Clear career pathway

Flexible working arrangements

Various staff benefits

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' experience working in a zoo environment.
• Passion for Animal Welfare, Conservation, Education & Research.
• Knowledge of legislation and statutory requirements for live animals.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily cleaning of enclosures and maintenance of ponds.
• Support during animal health checks and handling.
• Participate in educational activities for zoo visitors.

Skills

Exceptional animal husbandry skills

Strong customer service and communication skills

Ability to maintain a high standard of animal welfare

Ability to work effectively both as a team member and on own initiative

Knowledge specific to the needs of exotic animal species

Education

Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or equivalent

NVQ 2 in Animal Care or equivalent

Job description

Overview

To provide a high standard of animal husbandry and care primarily within the Tropical World facility.

Responsibilities

• To assist other animal keepers in general duties to include the daily cleaning of all enclosures and maintenance of ponds.
• To be familiar with animal food preparation and hygiene methods, that may include strictly controlled specialised dietary requirements.
• To assist during the movement of livestock and when undertaking animal health checks. This may require animal restraint and handling.
• To assist any improvements required in the facilities at Tropical World or West Leeds Country Park Visitor Centre, including participation in interior landscaping.
• To assist in the provision of interactive, educational activities for all visitors to the zoo.
• To assist in the training of placement students and volunteers in accordance with the Parks and Countryside Training and Development plan.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or equivalent qualification.
• A least 5 years\' experience working in a zoo environment.
• Exceptional animal husbandry skills, high standards of animal care.
• A passion for Animal Welfare, Conservation, Education & Research.
• Previous practical experience of working with a range of species.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• An understanding of health and safety in a zoological setting.
• An organised approach to managing animal welfare records.
• A full valid driving licence.
• NVQ 2 in Animal Care or equivalent.
• Knowledge of legislation and statutory requirements connected with the keeping of live animals within a zoological environment.
• Experience in working with exotic animal species.
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels.
• Ability to maintain a high standard of animal husbandry and animal welfare.
• Ability to interpret instructions and implement them accordingly.
• Ability to work effectively both as a team member and on own initiative.
• Ability to keep accurate required records relating to animal welfare.
• Ability to assist in the movement of animal stock as required.
• Ability to undertake interior landscaping, which may involve the maintenance of grounds and facilities.
• Ability to work to set deadlines and goals.
• Knowledge specific to the needs of exotic animal species and their specialised requirements.
• Experience of at least 3 years working within a zoological environment.

Benefits and Additional Information

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
• Willing to work weekends to a rota and on occasional evenings.
• Note: If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you usually need to be paid the standard salary rate or meet other eligibility criteria.

Additional Notes

To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying. The post holder will be based at The Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World at Roundhay Park, working with a wide range of aquatic, reptile, amphibian, invertebrate, small mammal and bird species.