Keeper - Invertebrates

Chester Zoo; Chester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff pass

Free bus travel

Staff discount

Canteen subsidy

Free entry to affiliated zoos

Job summary

Chester Zoo is seeking an outstanding Invertebrate Keeper with a focus on native species conservation. You’ll manage native invertebrate collections and support conservation breeding, contributing to field-based projects where required.

This fixed-term role is 40 hours per week, 12 months, and pays £27,500 per year. Benefits include a staff pass, free bus travel, supermarket discounts, and free entry to affiliated zoos.

Qualifications

• HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience of animal husbandry, specifically with invertebrates.
• Strong understanding of conservation breeding.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and operation of a native species conservation hub and population management strategies.
• Undertake day-to-day husbandry and management of native invertebrate collections with high welfare standards.
• Contribute to conservation breeding and population management programmes for priority native species.

Skills

Invertebrate care

Observation skills

Conservation breeding

Communication skills

Computer skills

Education

Zoological science degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are Chester Zoo We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to over 32,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. 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. 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. We now have an exciting new role for an outstanding Invertebrate Keeper with a focus on native species conservation. You’ll be part of the wider Ectotherms department.

The role:

• Support the development and operation of a native species conservation hub, contributing to the establishment of facilities, husbandry protocols and population management strategies that support the long-term conservation of native invertebrate species
• Undertake the day-to-day husbandry and management of native invertebrate collections, ensuring high standards of animal welfare through routine management, enclosure maintenance, environmental monitoring and behavioural observations
• Contribute to conservation breeding and population management programmes for priority native species, supporting the maintenance of sustainable assurance populations and the production of individuals for research and potential reintroduction initiatives
• Monitor animal health, welfare and breeding success, maintaining accurate records of husbandry activities, life history events, population demographics and breeding outcomes to inform evidence-based management decisions
• Assist with field-based conservation and monitoring projects, where required, supporting species surveys, population assessments, habitat management activities and the collection of data that contributes to wider conservation objectives
• Develop and refine best-practice husbandry techniques for native invertebrate species, sharing knowledge with colleagues, students, volunteers and external conservation partners to support the advancement of invertebrate conservation efforts
• Participate in internal meetings providing support and information as required in support of the Society’s mission. Ensure effective communication within the team.
• Participate on request in relevant external groups and Associations in UK and overseas, representing the society’s views on Animal husbandry and conservation, with the aim to meet the society’s mission

The ideal candidate:

• A HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent practical experience
• Experience of animal husbandry, specifically with invertebrates
• Good understanding and working knowledge of conservation breeding
• Outstanding observational skills, attention to detail and be committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of animal health and welfare are met
• An understanding of the contribution that ex-situ populations can make to conservation, education and applied research
• Able to organise and adapt in a dynamic environment
• Have a strong work ethic and ability to effectively prioritise tasks
• Be an enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated team player
• Will demonstrate excellent communication skills.
• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages
• Have a good understanding of risk assessments and safe operating procedures

This role may involve representing Chester Zoo and the Ectotherm team for media interviews and internal and external meetings workshops and conferences. Therefore, excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

The Package

• Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered
• Fixed Term, 12 months.
• Salary of £27,500 per annum
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends
• Free bus travel available on the X1 from Chester and Ellesmere Port train stations
• Staff discount in our restaurants and retail outlets
• Subsidised staff canteen
• Online Discount/Cashback scheme
• Free entry to affiliated zoo’s and collections through BIAZA including Blue Planet Aquarium

The closing date for applications is 22/11/26.