Animal Keeper (12 months with the opportunity to extend)

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); London; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A not-for-profit zoo in Northeast England is seeking a dedicated Animal Keeper for a 12-month contract. Responsibilities include daily husbandry, enrichment implementation, and engaging with zoo visitors. This role requires at least 2 years of zoo experience and a qualification in wild animal husbandry. The ideal candidate should be passionate about animal welfare and responsible for educational interactions with the public.

Benefits

28 days holiday per annum

Employer pension contributions

Daily food allowance

Discount in zoo shop

Complimentary zoo admission tickets

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of professional zoo work experience.
• High animal welfare standards.
• Ability to implement animal enrichment programmes.

Responsibilities

• Daily husbandry routines for various species.
• Research and implement animal enrichment opportunities.
• Maintain exhibits for high standards of presentation.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Behavioural enrichment

Communication skills

Teamwork

Observational skills

Education

Qualification in captive wild animal husbandry

Job description

Northumberland Zoo

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

Contact: Hannah Webb ([e-mail]) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £26,038

Job Profile

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
  
  

Apply For This Job

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Hannah Webb, Head Keeper by Sunday 17th Aug 2025 [e-mail]