Animal Keeper - Birds

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wildlife organization in North Wales seeks an experienced Animal Keeper – Birds. You will work closely with the animal team to care for a variety of bird species and support zoo operations. Ideal candidates have hands-on experience in animal husbandry, strong communication skills, and a passion for wildlife conservation. This role offers exciting development opportunities and a chance to make an impact in the field of conservation.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Free family admission to the zoo

Free uniform

Free staff parking

Employee Assistance Wellbeing Programme

Discounts in restaurant and gift shop

Holiday scheme up to 33 days

Company sick pay

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Significant practical experience with various bird species.
• Sound knowledge of animal husbandry principles.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support growth and development of the bird department.
• Deliver daily husbandry and habitat management.
• Monitor animal health and behavior.

Skills

Experience with birds

Animal husbandry knowledge

Monitoring animal health

Physical fitness

Communication skills

Teamwork

Customer service

IT skills

Education

Diploma in Animal Management

Job description

Welsh Mountain Zoo - National Zoological Society of Wales

Wales Closing date for applications is: 20th Aug 2025

Contact: Chris Dinwoodie ([e-mail]) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £26,171

Working at the Welsh Mountain Zoo is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to be part of a committed, expert team, united by a shared passion: Bringing Conservation to Life. And there’s nowhere better to do that than in the breathtaking surroundings of North Wales.

For over 60 years, we’ve been caring for rare and endangered animal and plant species, engaging the public, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. Now, as we enter an exciting period of growth and investment in our zoo, we’re looking for a skilled and motivated Animal Keeper – Birds.

You’ll work closely with our Head of Animals and Bird & Ectotherm Team Leader, helping to shape, manage and grow our bird department – including parrots, raptors, a variety of small passerine species, and our flock of Chilean flamingos, to name a few.

As a small, close-knit team, we all pitch in where needed. While your core focus will be birds, there will be times when you'll support other sections across the zoo. For those keen to progress their career with us, we actively encourage developing skills across all taxa and working towards achieving Category 1 competency with a range of species – flexibility and a willingness to diversify will be key to making the most of your time with us.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant practical experience gained from working closely with a wide range of bird species in a zoo or wildlife park setting
• A sound working knowledge of science and evidence-based animal husbandry, behaviour, breeding, enrichment, and welfare principles
• Proficiency in monitoring animal health and behaviour – recording and reporting observations accurately
• Physical fitness and the ability to carry out demanding tasks including lifting, cleaning, and working outdoors in all weather conditions
• A relevant qualification in animal care or a related field (e.g. Diploma or higher in Animal Management) or working towards one
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence working both as part of a team and independently
• The ability or willingness to train towards deploying firearms in emergency situations
• A commitment to delivering exceptional levels of customer service
• Good IT skills to maintain records, send mails, and complete training
  
  

Key Responsibilities Include

• Supporting the growth and development of our bird department
• Delivering all aspects of daily husbandry and habitat management, promoting the highest standards of evidence-based welfare
• Assisting in the treatment and medication of animals
• Monitoring animal health and behaviour – completing and actioning recommendations from welfare assessments
• Using positive reinforcement techniques to train husbandry behaviours
• Engaging with guests to deliver informal education activities
• Following health and safety procedures to ensure the wellbeing of animals, staff, and guests
• Working collaboratively as part of a team and supporting other zoo operations as required
• Working across a 7-day rota (including weekends and bank holidays)
• Completing mandatory training and undertaking continuing professional development
• Delivering all work in line with our policies and procedures including those related to Animal Welfare, GDPR, Health & Safety, Security, Finance, People, and Volunteering
  
  

Join Us

If you’re passionate about animal welfare and conservation, have significant practical experience of working with birds in a zoo or wildlife setting, and want to play a central part in shaping the future of a growing zoo – we’d love to hear from you.

Staff Benefits

As well as working with our wonderful animals and amazing team in one of the most beautiful visitor attractions in North Wales, we also provide access to:

• training and development opportunities
• free family admission to our zoo
• free uniform
• free staff parking
• our Employee Assistance Wellbeing Programme
• discounts in our restaurant, gift shop, and sweet shop
• holiday scheme which increases with service up to 33 days*
• company sick pay*
• our pension scheme*
• After qualifying service
  
  

(Please note shared accommodation may be available with this role - to be discussed at interview.)

Apply For This Job

Apply now and help us Bring Conservation to Life:

To apply for this role please send your CV and cover letter (maximum 2 page) to [e-mail] Your cover letter should outline your motivation for joining our team to help us deliver our mission, and also provide some details about how you meet the requirements for the role in the “what you’ll bring” section above.

Closing date 20th August 2025

Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to acknowledge every application form. If you do not hear from us within 15 days of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.