Experienced Animal Keeper – Small Carnivore Section (Maternity Cover)

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

Job summary

A wildlife conservation organization in Kent is seeking an Experienced Animal Keeper for the Small Carnivore Section. Responsibilities include husbandry and public interaction for various species. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years of experience with carnivores. This temporary position, covering maternity leave, requires physical fitness and a driving license. Join a dedicated team in a renowned conservation environment.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Onsite accommodation might be available

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

Company Pension

Unlimited free entry for parks

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• At least 3 years experience as a Keeper, including working with Carnivores.
• Confidence around all types of carnivores with a hands-on approach.
• Awareness of current conservation issues.

Responsibilities

• Perform general husbandry, cleaning, feeding, and enclosure maintenance.
• Contribute to conservation education and public interactions.

Skills

Animal husbandry skills

Physical fitness

Public interaction

Education

Recognised Animal Management qualification

Tools

Driving licence

Knowledge of H&S

Job description

Overview

Experienced Animal Keeper – Small Carnivore Section (Maternity Cover)

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join our team of dedicated small carnivore keepers. Our Small carnivore keepers look after our breeding dwarf mongoose group, servals, red-necked wallabies, bush dogs, binturong, red pandas, banded mongoose, caracal, breeding northern lynx, breeding Pallas's cats, breeding margay, fossa, coati, rusty spotted cats, meerkats, and clouded leopards. Closing date for applications is: 30th Sep 2025.

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

Responsibilities

• Undertake all duties on the small carnivore section including general husbandry, cleaning and feeding, enclosure maintenance and record keeping.
• Contribute to conservation education with opportunities for leading talks and encounters with the public.

Who we are looking for

The ideal candidate will ideally have at least 3 years’ experience as a Keeper, which must include working with Carnivores. You will possess good all-round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of all the carnivore species on the section. You will have awareness of current conservation issues, alongside the ability to confidently interact with the public. You will ideally have confidence around all types of carnivores, with a hands-on approach to the restraint and handling of animals where necessary.

This is a physically demanding position so candidates must have a good level of physical fitness. A full valid driving licence is essential. Gun licence, trailer driving, strimmer experience and other machinery use would be advantageous. Holding a recognised Animal Management qualification and knowledge of H&S including risk assessments would also be desirable.

Position details

This is a temporary position covering maternity leave, from November 2025 to August 2026, working 40 hours per week, across 5 days out of 7, from 8:00am to 5:00pm with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break, 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. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location.

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.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, pro-rata to start date, rising with length of service.
• Onsite accommodation might be available.
• 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.

To apply

If you want to work in an exciting and unique environment where no two days are the same, email your CV and covering letter to [e-mail]

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

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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)