Centre Assistant / Animal Keeper

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading zoo and aquarium association in the UK is seeking a Centre Assistant/Animal Keeper. This position involves operational duties in the gift shop and admissions, along with animal care. Suitable candidates should have a background in customer service, retail, or animal care, and be able to work flexible hours, including weekends. Full training will be provided, and adherence to health and safety standards is essential.

Benefits

Full training provided

Work with animals

Dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of animal husbandry and welfare standards.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations.
• Ability to work alone and use initiative.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of animal welfare.
• Assist with operational needs at the park.
• Carry out animal care and cleaning duties.

Skills

Animal husbandry knowledge

Customer service experience

Communication skills

Education

City and Guilds Level 1&2 in Animal Care

Tools

Zims software

Job description

Overview

The Tropical Butterfly House, Yorkshire. Closing date for applications is: 31st Oct 2025.

The Tropical Butterfly House has an exciting vacancy for a Centre Assistant/Animal Keeper. The position will cover multiple duties from helping with the operational needs of the park in the gift shop, admissions kiosk, and associated daily duties as well as assisting with the daily animal husbandry and care of the animal collection as required. Experience in customer services, retail and animal care would be an advantage; however full training will be given on all section duties. Positions will be on a zero hour, fixed term contract and meet the national living wage. Successful candidates will be asked to attend an informal interview. Applicants must be able to work weekends. The job offer is subject to taking and passing a level 2 health & safety at work test on appointment; failure may result in the job offer being withdrawn.

Hours of work

The hours of work will be conditional on the business requirements and the contract will be conditional on your agreement to work flexible hours or no hours if necessary.

Hours/Days will vary between the centres opening and closing times of 8am-6pm Monday – Sunday, Which includes regular weekends and Bank holidays, working on a rota basis. (Please note: these times are subject to change, if required to meet the business needs during high and low season)

Pay

• National Living Wage

Job Specification

• To maintain high standards of animal husbandry and welfare, in line with the zoo licensing and BIAZA guidelines.
• Keeping animal records upto date daily on Zims / record sheets
• Being able to work as part of a team
• Working to strict health and safety policies and safe working methods
• General Cleaning duties around the centre
• Covering the Gift Shop, Kiosk, and Play Park
• Carrying out animal encounter sessions with the general public and schools
• Blowing of paths and other areas around the centre
• Any other duties as reasonably required to meet the business needs and requirements

Required Skills and Qualifications

City and Guilds Level 1&2 in Animal Care (Minimum)

• Good knowledge of animal husbandry and welfare standards
• Knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations
• An understanding of animal training
• Good IT skills and Knowledge

Person Specification

• Dedication to high animal welfare standards
• Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions
• Ability to work alone and act on your own initiative, as required
• Good communication skills with the confidence to deliver presentations
• Willingness to learn and take instruction
• Good interpersonal skills
• Eager and willing to add to knowledge base and skills

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company; contact details align with office hours noted: 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)