Experienced Reptile Keeper

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

Job summary

Join Hamerton Zoo Park as an Experienced Reptile Keeper. This full-time role involves the daily care of a diverse range of reptiles and public interaction, requiring a minimum of two years' experience in a similar setting. You will contribute to our conservation efforts and work in a supportive environment dedicated to animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience working with reptiles.
• Good understanding of reptile biology and welfare standards.
• Reliable, hard-working, and team-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Daily care, feeding, and observation of reptiles and amphibians.
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures to the highest standards.
• Engaging with visitors through educational talks.

Skills

Venomous reptile handling

Animal husbandry

Public education

Education

Relevant animal management qualification

Job description

Hamerton Zoo Park

Cambridgeshire Closing date for applications is: 31st Aug 2025

Experienced Reptile Keeper – Hamerton Zoo Park
Location: Hamerton, Cambridgeshire
Contract: Full-time

At Hamerton Zoo Park, we’re home to a diverse and growing collection of exotic and endangered species—and we’re looking for an experienced and passionate Reptile Keeper to help care for our expanding range of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

About the Role
This is a hands-on, physical role suited to someone with a genuine passion for reptiles and their conservation. You’ll be responsible for the daily husbandry of a wide variety of species, including venomous reptiles, large snakes, fish, crocodilians and other species. You’ll also play a vital role in enclosure maintenance, enrichment, record-keeping, and public education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Daily care, feeding, and observation of reptile, amphibian and invertebrate species
• Monitoring health and behaviour, administering medications under veterinary guidance
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures to the highest welfare and hygiene standards
• Assisting with breeding programmes and habitat design
• Engaging with visitors through talks and educational interactions
• Contributing to ongoing conservation and sustainability efforts at the park

About You:

• Minimum 2 years' experience working with reptiles in a zoo or similar environment
• Confident handling a variety of species, including venomous reptiles (training provided if required)
• Good understanding of reptile biology, welfare and husbandry standards
• Reliable, hard-working and able to work well in a small, dedicated team
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weathers and willing to work weekends and bank holidays as part of a rota
• A relevant animal management qualification is desirable, but not essential for candidates with strong practical experience

Why Join Us?
Hamerton Zoo Park is an independent, conservation-focused zoo with a reputation for rare and unusual species. We offer a supportive working environment where your contribution makes a real difference—both to our animals and to our visitors’ experience.

Apply for this job:

How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you're the right fit for this role to [e-mail]

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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)