Animal Keeper (12 months with the opportunity to extend)

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit zoo organization in Northumberland is looking for an Animal Keeper for a 12-month contract, with potential for extension. The role includes ensuring high animal welfare standards, maintaining exhibits, and engaging with zoo visitors. Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in a zoo setting and relevant qualifications. This position requires a full driver's license due to the rural location, and offers competitive benefits including holiday entitlement and a food allowance.

Benefits

28 days holiday per annum

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Daily food allowance

Discount in zoo shop

Complimentary zoo admission tickets

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of professional zoo work experience.
• Qualified in an appropriate captive wild animal husbandry discipline.
• Experience in implementing animal enrichment programmes.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day husbandry routines for various species.
• Research and implement enrichment opportunities.
• Maintain exhibits for species-specific suitability.

Skills

Professional zoo work experience

Animal husbandry qualification

High animal welfare standards

Animal enrichment implementation

Observational skills

Public presentation skills

Education

Relevant biological or conservation qualification

Job description

• Animal Keeper (12 months with the opportunity to extend)

Animal Keeper (12 months with the opportunity to extend)

Northumberland Zoo

Northumberland Zoo

North East England Closing date for applications is: 17th Aug 2025

Northumberland Zoo is a major animal attraction and Wildlife conservation centre, in the Northeast of England. With the addition of numerous brand-new exhibits in the past few years, including our highly recognised critically endangered Livingstone’s fruit bat enclosure, our future is looking bright with ambitious plans for growth including several new species. We are a family-run, not-for-profit zoo and we are looking for a like-minded team player to join our team; you must be willing to adopt our Zoo ethos and join our mission in conservation, education & sustainability to inspire positive change.

We have an opportunity for a temporary Animal Keeper role, for a period of 12 months, with the opportunity to extend. The animal section is currently split into 6 different sections and this role will have the opportunity to work on various sections, dependent on experience. You will work alongside the animal team to ensure the highest possible standards of animal husbandry, including behavioural and environmental enrichment and animal training programmes. You will be responsible for the development of animal exhibits to promote natural behaviour and top-quality presentation, also, educational opportunities for zoo visitors in line with the zoo’s missions of conservation, education and sustainability.

Main Duties & Job Responsibilities

· Day to day husbandry routines for various species including health and welfare monitoring

· Researching and implementing behavioural and environmental enrichment opportunities for various species

· Refurbishing and maintaining exhibits with species specific suitability in mind to promote natural behaviour and ensuring high standards of presentation for zoo visitors

· Strict adherence to risk assessments, bio security and safe working practices.

· Taking ownership for the presentation of the wider zoo site by maintaining high standards of presentation with a positive attitude and professional manner.

· Carrying out animal experiences, talks, displays and occasionally assisting the education department in planning and carrying out education session to school groups and visitors ensuring the zoos mission messages are being delivered. This may also include zoo events

Skills and Experience

· At least 2 years professional zoo work experience working with animals in a zoo environment

· Be qualified in an appropriate captive wild animal husbandry, biological or conservation discipline

· Must have high animal welfare standards with regards to the care and daily husbandry routines

· Experience implementing animal enrichment programmes

· Have great observational skills when working with the animals in the park, understanding animal behaviour and the ability to keep accurate records relating to animal welfare

· Be confident in presenting engaging, educational messages to audiences.

General

· Full driver's license and access to vehicle required due to rural setting of zoo

· Have great team working and communication skills and adaptability to suit the needs of the role

· Be able to work effectively and with minimum supervision within a timely manner

· Have strong interpersonal skills and be confident to interact with the public

· Be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weathers

· Take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills

· 40 hrs per week across 5 days, includes weekends and bank holidays

· 28 days holiday per annum (includes Bank Holidays) increasing by 1 day each year after 12 months employment to a maximum of 33 days

· Enrolment in pension scheme with employer contributions of 3%

· £5 daily food allowance in the zoo café and discount in zoo shop

· Complimentary Zoo admission tickets for family and friends

BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783.Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)