Animal Keeper (Full-time)

Battersea Park Zoo; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo in London is seeking a hands-on Keeper to maintain high welfare standards across both domestic and exotic species. The role involves a flexible 40-hour week, weekend and bank holiday work, and will suit someone who thrives in a small, passionate team.

You will perform daily checks, assist with enclosure maintenance, ensure correct diets and enrichment, and keep accurate records using ZIMS.

Qualifications

• 6 months paid employment in a UK zoological facility.
• Broad taxonomic knowledge of species commonly managed within zoological collections.
• Willingness to learn evolving husbandry practices, including enrichment programmes.
• Experience in reptile, amphibian, callitrichid or cebid husbandry is advantageous.
• Ability to communicate knowledge effectively to visitors.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cleaning across the zoo.
• Assist with enclosure/paddock servicing, maintenance and refurbishment.
• Prepare and provide diets for a range of species.
• Follow and maintain our behavioural enrichment programme for all species.
• Maintain accurate records using ZIMS.
• Engage with visitors to provide a positive experience.

Skills

Animal handling

Enrichment knowledge

Record-keeping (ZIMS)

Visitor communication

CPD commitment

Tools

ZIMS

Job description

About Us:

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is a well-established, family-run organisation with a proud history dating back to 1951. Today, it stands as the UK’s only dedicated children’s zoo and is one of two highly commended zoos within our company. We are also proud to be accredited by BIAZA, reflecting our commitment to excellence.

We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of animal husbandry, conservation, and education. Our mission is to promote the conservation of animals and their natural habitats through meaningful engagement and interaction with our visitors, especially children, creating memorable and educational experiences for all.

As a small, friendly, and dynamic zoo, we are home to a diverse collection of both exotic and domestic species. This diversity is central to any keeper role here, offering a unique opportunity to work closely with a wide range of animals.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about working with smaller domestic and exotic species and who thrive in a hands-on, varied environment.

Overview of Role:

We are seeking a motivated individual with a positive, forward-thinking attitude who can bring enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and meet our progressive working practices.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the highest and most up-to-date standards of animal welfare and husbandry, including the completion of daily checks and accurate record-keeping for all animals and birds in their care.

This role encourages innovation, and new ideas are welcomed and can be developed in collaboration with the Zoo Manager and Curator of Collections.

The position is based on a 40-hour working week, operated on a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays. A flexible approach to working hours is essential.

The role is physically demanding, and candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. You will be working with a diverse range of species within a zoo environment.

Experience with reptiles and amphibians or small primates is desirable, along with a solid working knowledge across a broad range of taxa.

Strong communication skills are essential, as is the ability to engage with and inspire our young visitors.

A minimum of 6 months paid employment within a zoological related position required.

Main Duties:

Reporting directly to the Head Keeper & Zoo Manager:

• Assisting with the cleaning of all areas within the zoo.
• Assisting with enclosure/paddock servicing, maintenance and refurbishment.
• A good working knowledge of current zoo diets for a range of species and the preparation of approved diets and nutrition.
• To follow and maintain our behavioural enrichment programme for all species across the zoo.
• Assisting with the carrying out of correct feeding procedures and ensuring all zoo keeping staff follow correct diet and enrichment protocols.
• Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are always adhered to.
• Assisting where appropriate with the movement and/or training of animals, keeper experiences etc. as directed by senior staff.
• Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors.
• Reporting defects and repairs required to the Animal Manager or more senior staff.
• Assisting in various projects related to animal management as directed by senior animal management staff.
• Accurate record-keeping skills with a good knowledge of ZIMS.
• Engage in CPD/ training in relation to husbandry, best practice, welfare and licensing to uphold the expected standards at BPCZ.
• Battersea has a small and cohesive team of keepers, with a very strong work ethic and very high standards, ground maintenance, gardening, cleaning and site management are all part of the position.

Personal Specification

• Practical experience in animal management across a range of domestic and exotic species within a zoological setting is preferred. Full training provided as part of the role.
• A minimum of 6 months paid employment in a UK zoological facility (or equivalent) is required.
• Broad taxonomic knowledge of species commonly managed within zoological collections is essential. Experience in reptile, amphibian, callitrichid, cebid husbandry would be a distinct advantage.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to evolving husbandry practices, including positive reinforcement training for behavioural management and the development of enrichment programmes for a variety of species.
• Knowledge and practical experience in the safe handling and restraint of animals for transport and veterinary procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to completing tasks that benefit the section and wider department.
• A strong personal drive to develop knowledge and contribute to a fulfilling keeper role. We believe our keepers enjoy a greater degree of autonomy than in many other UK zoos. Personal interests and project ideas will be taken into consideration where possible.
• Commitment to continued professional development (CPD).
• Keeper experiences are a key part of our visitor offering; therefore, the ability to communicate knowledge effectively and ensure a positive, engaging experience for all visitors is essential.
• Please note that accommodation is not provided with this role.

Recruitment Process

• Interviews will be conducted in person only (no telephone or virtual interviews).
• The interview will take place at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo and will consist of a full-day trial day, including both formal interview elements and practical time spent with the keeping team.
• Interviews will be arranged at the earliest convenience, and the role will be offered to a suitable candidate as soon as one is identified.