EXPERIENCED KEEPER WITH SPECIAL INTEREST REPTILES

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Linton Zoo Conservation Park seeks an experienced keeper with a special interest in reptiles. This full-time role requires substantial experience in husbandry practices, especially with tortoises. Candidates will enjoy opportunities for advancement in a family-owned conservation park.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years prior experience with reptiles in a zoological environment.
• Proficient in keeping detailed animal records using ZIMS.
• Broad knowledge of husbandry practices and zoo license regulations.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for day-to-day animal husbandry and maintaining exhibits.
• Flexibly work on a rota, including weekends and holidays.
• Involving both individual tasks and teamwork in a diverse animal setting.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Teamwork

Public speaking

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Education

DMZAA course or equivalent qualification

Tools

ZIMS

Job description

• EXPERIENCED KEEPER WITH SPECIAL INTEREST REPTILES

EXPERIENCED KEEPER WITH SPECIAL INTEREST REPTILES

Linton Zoo Conservation Park

Linton Zoo Conservation Park

East Anglia Closing date for applications is: 20th Jul 2025

Salary: Competative rate on an experience related scale

Linton Zoo Conservation Park currently has a full-time permanent keeper position available for an experienced, highly motivated, reliable and enthusiastic individua with a special interest in reptiles in particular tortoises.

Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years prior experience paid full time work with reptiles especially tortoises within a zoological environment. This position is for someone with a special interest and experience with reptiles but the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to train to work with a range of mammals and birds. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day animal husbandry, including cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.

This is a physically demanding role which requires kneeling, crawling, climbing etc. and the ability to lift heavy food, straw bales etc. in varying weather conditions. The successful candidate will be expected to work to a flexible rota, this position requires applicants to be able to work weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays.

Holidays should be taken off season and not during school holidays.

The applicant must be flexible about their duties within the zoo and should be prepared to be involved in all aspects of animal care associated with the daily, safe and smooth running of a family owned and managed conservation and education park with a diverse collection of animals.

This is a full time role working an average of 40 hours a week over 5 days, working days will vary over a 7 day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is a competitive rate for a qualified keeper on an experience related scale

This is a permanent position with a start date as soon as is possible. There will be the opportunity to advance to a senior position for the right candidate.

Applicants should:

• be hard working, conscientious and uphold high standards of animal husbandry and welfare.
• have good attention to detail and a consistent level of work standard is essential
• have the ability to work both individually or as part of a team and have excellent communication skills
• have exceptional attendance and time keeping skills.
• be proficient in public speaking or have the confidence to learn
• be willing to assist with other areas of the park, including tours, educational presentations, general maintenance and upkeep of public areas and the supervision and training of trainee keepers
• able to keep detailed animal records we use ZIMS
• have ideally completed the DMZAA course or hold an equivalent qualification,
• have a broad knowledge of husbandry practices, an understanding of Zoo licence regulations and a minimum of 3 years full time paid work in a similar role
• preferably have a full driving licence and car

Apply for this job if you would like the chance to join our great team, please download an application form from our website. Please send this with a covering letter and CV to Kim Simmons, Linton Zoo, Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB21 4NT or email to [e-mail] stating any previous experience and availability.

· Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertised period for this role which may therefore be filled prior to the closing date. We would encourage you to submit your application form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Due to the number of applications we receive we are only able to respond to candidates who are successful through to the interview stage.

Apply for this job:

Apply for this job if you would like the chance to join our great team, please download an application form from our website. Please send this with a covering letter and CV to Kim Simmons, Linton Zoo, Hadstock Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB21 4NT or email to [e-mail] stating any previous experience and availability.

· Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertised period for this role which may therefore be filled prior to the closing date. We would encourage you to submit your application form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Due to the number of applications we receive we are only able to respond to candidates who are successful through to the interview stage.

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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)