Keeper Elephants

Chester Zoo; Chester; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent conservation and education charity in the UK is seeking a permanent Keeper Elephants. The role offers the opportunity to care for a breeding group of Asian elephants, while contributing to scientific and welfare developments for the species. Candidates must have relevant qualifications, experience with large mammals, and outstanding observational skills. The position provides a competitive salary along with various benefits and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Staff pass for zoo visits

Discounted gym membership

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the care of large mammals such as elephants and rhinos.
• Experience within strict Safe Working Practices.
• Experience of operant conditioning in a zoo setting.

Responsibilities

• Care and management of Asian elephants.
• Develop science and welfare initiatives for elephants.

Skills

Outstanding observational skills

Competency in using computers

Experience in creating positive environments for animals

Education

HND or degree in zoological related science

Tools

ZIMS software

Job description

Keeper Elephants

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 90 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction. We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out. We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and despite all the recent challenges thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a permanent keeper to join us on the Elephant section. For the right candidate, this post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a breeding group of Asian elephants, leading in the development of science and welfare for the species.

Our Requirements

• A HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in the care and management of large mammal species that may include Giraffe, Rhinos and Elephants, in a zoo or safari park setting, as well as the highest standards of exhibitory
• Outstanding observational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Experience creating positive environments for animals
• Experience of working within strict Safe Working Practices
• Experience of operant conditioning in a zoo setting
• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous for this role in order to maintain accurate records

The Package

• Permanent contract
• 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.
• Salary of £26,500 per annum
• 33 days annual leave per year
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends
• Employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%
• Excellent training and career progression opportunities

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for the role will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once the successful candidate is found. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.

Closing date for applications is 8 January 2026

More About Us

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 30,000 incredible animals. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.