Experience Animal Keeper - Primate Section

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animal park in Kent seeks a passionate and experienced Animal Keeper to work in the primate section. Responsibilities include general husbandry, enclosure maintenance, and public engagement in conservation education. Applicants must have experience with primates and possess a full valid driving license. This full-time position offers a salary of up to £28,500 with various benefits and the opportunity for career development.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

Enhanced maternity and paternity policies

Unlimited free entry for you and a guest to the parks

Discounts on food and accommodation

Company Pension

Qualifications

• Experience working with primates in a zoological collection is essential.
• A full valid driving license is required.
• Ability to handle and restrain animals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct general husbandry including cleaning and feeding of primates.
• Maintain enclosures and keep accurate records.
• Engage in conservation education and public encounters.

Skills

Experience with primates

Communication skills

Knowledge of health and safety

Basic Office software

Education

Zoological experience

Job description

• Experience Animal Keeper - Primate Section

Experience Animal Keeper - Primate Section

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Kent Closing date for applications is: 31st Aug 2025

Salary: Up to £28,500.00 Per Annum, DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits

Experienced Animal Keeper - Primate Section

Salary: Up to £28,500.00 DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits

Onsite accommodation may be available dependent on occupancy

Full Time, Permanent Position

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, based in Kent, is seeking a passionate, experienced, hardworking, and motivated animal keeper to work with a team of enthusiastic keepers on our primate section. The successful applicant will be expected to undertake all duties on the section from general husbandry including cleaning and feeding as well as enclosure maintenance and record keeping.

Conservation education plays a big role in the park so there will be plenty of opportunities for talks and encounters with the public. We provide extensive staff training and will offer the opportunity to develop your professional skills and abilities.

Who we are looking for:

You must have experience working with primates, gained in a mainstream zoological collection and a full valid driving licence is essential. You will be a good communicator with the ability to impart knowledge to the section. You will need to be confident around all types of primates with a hands-on approach to the restraint and handling of animals where necessary. Knowledge of health and safety is essential. A working knowledge of basic Office software will be an advantage, as well as an understanding of ZIMS.

The position is full time, working 40 hours per week, worked five days out of seven and will include weekends and bank holidays. A flexible approach to working hours is essential in any animal job. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The location:

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.

Why you should join us:

We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.

You can also expect a host of other ‘roarsome’ benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service. (Pro-rata to start date and working hours)
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning.
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
• Company Pension
• And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.

#joinourpride

Please note, this role may close early if we receive a high volume of applications.

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)