Animal Operative

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

Job summary

A leading organization in animal welfare is seeking a dedicated individual for key roles at Dudley Zoo & Castle. You will support animal keeping, development, and waste management, ensuring the highest standards of care while gaining valuable experience in a renowned zoo environment.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of basic animal husbandry.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Knowledge of basic DIY and power tools.
• Previous experience in a zoo environment advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support in day-to-day management and welfare of the animal collection.
• Help design, build and renovate animal exhibits.
• Manage the delivery of animal foods and disposal of waste.

Skills

Basic animal husbandry

Organisational skills

Self-motivation

DIY knowledge

Full CLEAN UK Driving License

Reliability

Flexibility

Job description

Dudley Zoo & Castle

West Midlands Closing date for applications is: 28th Jul 2025

DUDLEY ZOO & CASTLE

Dudley and West Midlands Zoological Society is structured as a charitable organisation, with a trading arm known as Dudley Zoological Services Limited and the Dudley Zoo Development Trust, which raises money for animal welfare expenditure. The site’s trading name is Dudley Zoo & Castle.

The site covers approximately 40 acres, surrounding and incorporating the ruins of Dudley Castle and featuring ‘modernist’ architecture of the Tecton Partnership. The historic nature of the site with a Grade I listed 11th century Norman castle, 12 concrete Tecton structures (Grade II & II*) and the Grade II Castle Hill Lodge, provide a unique setting and visitor attraction, whilst also placing added responsibility and burden upon the Society.

The Zoo houses a host of endangered species and yet our strength as a tourist attraction is the variety of visitor experiences available on site. This combination of heritage assets, exotic wildlife and unique site transportation attracts over 300,000 visitors annually and generates funds for day-to-day operation and capital development.

WHAT YOU WILL DO.

In this diverse role you will be providing support on 3 key areas of the zoo including;

Animal keeping department, Covering all aspects of the day-to-day management and welfare of our animal collection.

Animal development, work alongside our keeping department to help design/build and renovate new and existing animal exhibits.

Animal food and waste management. Delivering of animal foods to the departments and removing and disposing of animal waste.

SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE INCLUDE.

v Good knowledge of basic animal husbandry.

v Good organisational skills

v Self-motivation and the ability to work unsupervised

v A good knowledge of basic DIY and power tools

v Reliable and flexible with a strong work ethic

v Full CLEAN UK Driving License

v Previous experience in a zoo environment would be advantageous

Apply for this job:

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the

grounds of any protected characteristic.

To submit applications, that must include your CV and supporting statement, contact the Administration Team Leader, [e-mail]

Follow Us

BIAZA, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

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)