Animal Keeper (Fixed-Term)

TN United Kingdom; Warminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at a renowned Safari Park where you will care for a diverse array of animals, from majestic giraffes to iconic lions. As an Animal Keeper, your role will be pivotal in ensuring the highest standards of animal husbandry and guest engagement. With a commitment to safety and excellence, you'll enjoy a unique work environment surrounded by historic landscapes and wildlife. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to create unforgettable experiences for our guests while working with a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare and conservation. If you have a love for wildlife and a desire to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays

Unlimited free entry to Longleat

Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge

50% off Annual passes for Friends and Family

Discounts on food and beverages

20% off VIP Experiences

Discretionary bonus scheme

Employee Assistant Programme

Employer contributory pension scheme

Flexible working schemes

Qualifications

• Proven experience with exotic animals or domestic livestock (at least 18 months).
• Full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Carry out animal husbandry routines and maintain enclosures.
• Engage with guests and provide exceptional customer service.

Skills

Animal Husbandry

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Health and Safety Compliance

Education

5 GCSEs or equivalent

Job description

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Longleat is seeking experienced and committed Animal Keepers to join our Safari Team and help us continue our tradition of hiring engaged and productive employees.

Discover a captivating array of species at the Safari Park, from majestic giraffes and formidable rhinos to striking zebras and majestic tigers. And, of course, don't miss the iconic lions of Longleat.

As a member of our animal team, you'll report to the Lead Keeper and immerse yourself in the world of animal care. Your responsibilities will include maintaining our animal houses and enclosures to the utmost standard of excellence. Beyond the daily husbandry tasks, your role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of our park. You'll patrol various animal areas throughout the day, prioritizing the safety of both our guests and animals.

Moreover, you will be engaging with our guests, enhancing their experience with top-notch customer service. Join us in delivering unforgettable moments at the Safari Park, where every day is an adventure.

Key duties will include:

• Carry out animal husbandry routines, environmental enrichment, animal observations and record data.
• Report and advise on husbandry and safety matters to lead keepers and team managers.
• Participate in educational and VIP initiatives.
• Ensure Health and Safety standards and administration is adhered to by following risk assessments and standard operating procedures
• Engage guests during course of duties in line with culture of exceptional customer service

About you

• You must have a full UK driving licence to apply for this position
• You will have proven evidence of your interest and commitment to zoo and wildlife husbandry, having gained at least 18 months experience with exotic animals or domestic livestock.
• You will have gained at least 5 GCSE’s or equivalent.
• You will have excellent communication skills allowing you to easily liaise with guests and colleagues across a variety of levels.
• Due to the health and safety requirements of this role, you must be aged 18 or over to apply.

A little about us

At Longleat we offer a day out like no other, our guests are invited to step into the Thynn family home where they will find the finest example of Elizabethan Architecture. They are also immersed into the wild side, where they can visit over 120 species of animals by car, foot, train, bus, and boat.

With a core business of around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing unforgettable experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Our values

At Longleat, we believe in engaging and inspiring our employees, putting people first, taking accountability, continuously improving, and acting with integrity. We invite everyone who works with us to subscribe to these values, as they truly set us apart as a place to work.

Why join the Longleat team?

In this unique work environment, you will be surrounded by historic landscapes and listed buildings, all whilst listening to our lions roar and wolves howl. You will even have the opportunity to visit our adorable Koalas and cheeky meerkats on your days off.

You will receive a rate of up to £11.44 per hour, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;

• 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
• Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees
• Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
• 50% off Annual passes for Friends and Family
• Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
• 20% off VIP Experiences, 10% off Accommodation
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Perks at work
• Range of flexible working schemes
• Great progression opportunities available.
• Gain an internal endorsement for re-hire of future vacancies

Your contract

You will be on a fixed-term contract ending on 5th of January 2025, with working hours to vary over a 7-day rota basis, including weekends, evenings and bank holidays as required. The earliest start time is 8 am, and the latest finish time is 8 pm, varying in accordance with opening times.