Experienced Animal Keeper

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoo in the UK is seeking an experienced animal keeper to join their professional team. This full-time role involves caring for diverse taxa, delivering high standards of animal husbandry, and providing engaging visitor experiences. With a supportive work environment and various employee benefits, this opportunity is ideal for dedicated individuals looking to make an impact in animal care.

Benefits

28 days paid annual leave

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Staff discounts and benefits

Conservation Award for global travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years full-time experience in a zoological collection.
• Adaptable for a flexible rota, physically fit for the demands of this role.
• Full UK driving licence and own vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Carry out animal welfare and husbandry routines.
• Deliver high-standard visitor experiences.
• Record observations and maintain accurate animal records.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Record-keeping skills

Team player

Physical fitness

Education

Animal science/management-related qualification (Level 3 or above)

Job description

Hertfordshire Zoo

UK Closing date for applications is: 7th Dec 2025

Are you an experienced animal keeper looking to work with an exciting variety of Taxa? This permanent opportunity at Hertfordshire Zoo (formerly Paradise Wildlife Park) offers the chance to join a passionate, professional team delivering high standards of animal care and visitor engagement. If you’re enthusiastic, dedicated, and ready for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Carrying out and enforcing high standards of welfare and animal husbandry routines (feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision) across all five sections of the zoo: Paddocks & Farm, Primates & Small Mammals, Birds, Ectotherms & Cats (this position has future scope for the Keeper to focus on certain taxa, dependant on their experience/focus).
• Maintaining trained behaviours as specified by Section Leader/Deputy.
• Delivering high-standard visitor experiences, including Keeper Talks and Animal Experiences.
• Recording observations and maintaining accurate animal records.
• Supervising and working alongside volunteers and work experience students.
• Enclosure maintenance and checks.
• Supporting general site maintenance and visitor services when required.
• Other duties to support effective and efficient running of the site, including Fire Marshall, First Aid, Company vehicle driver and general site cleaning.

Requirements (Essential)

• An animal science/management-related qualification (preferably Level 3 or above).
• Minimum 2 years full-time experience in a zoological collection.
• Excellent communication skills (both 1-1 and public speaking) and a great team player.
• Excellent proven record-keeping skills.
• Adaptable for a flexible rota, physically fit for the demands of this role and happy working outside in all weathers.
• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle (as HZ is not accessible by public transport).
• In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must have existing rights to reside and work in the UK.

Job Details

• Full-time, permanent position; 08.00-17.00 April‑Sept, 08.00-16.30 Oct‑March; average of 5 days per week worked on a 3‑week rolling rota (subject to change depending on the needs of the business).
• Salary range £24,603.15‑£25,288.25 PA based on an average 37.5 hour working week.
• 28 days PA paid annual leave.
• Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme.
• Staff discounts and other benefits, including free access to UK and European zoos and collections, regular team gatherings and celebrations, and a company Conservation Award (giving team members the chance to travel together to one of our supported global conservation project partners).

Apply for this job

To apply please email your CV and cover letter stating what makes you a suitable candidate to [e-mail] using “Cover Keeper” as the subject.

Closing Date: Sunday 7th December 2025

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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)