Keeper - Parrots & Penguins

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

Benefits offered by this job

Staff pass

Healthcare plan

Discounted gym membership

Cinema/retail perks via Perks

Job summary

Chester Zoo is seeking a dedicated bird keeper to oversee the daily care and husbandry of parrots, penguins, passerines, hornbills and pheasants. You will ensure enclosures meet the highest welfare standards and contribute to conservation objectives.

The ideal candidate has an avicultural background, proven zoo experience, and strong observational and communication skills. The role is a fixed-term 6‑month contract, with a 40-hour week including weekends.

Qualifications

• An HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in the care and exhibition of birds in a zoological or bird collection.
• Excellent avicultural knowledge and experience of bird husbandry, diet and reproduction techniques.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Care and daily husbandry of a wide range of bird species.
• Maintain enclosures and facilities to high welfare and cleanliness standards.
• Provide accurate records and contribute to conservation-focused activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver high standards of animal care.

Skills

Aviicultural knowledge

Bird husbandry experience

Strong work ethic

Team player

Observational skills

Verbal and written communication

UK driving licence

Education

HND or degree in zoological related science

Tools

ZIMS software

Job description

The role:

The post will involve the daily care and husbandry of a wide range of bird species including: Parrots, Penguins, Passerines, Hornbills and Pheasants. Chester Zoo aims to set a benchmark for animal welfare and the successful candidate must be able to deliver an excellent level of animal husbandry for the birds in their care; ensuring that all enclosures and facilities are maintained to the highest possible standards. We are looking for a dedicated, hard-working individual with excellent avicultural knowledge and a proven track‑record of practical experience of bird husbandry in a zoological setting. Proven experience in the care and exhibition of birds in a zoological or bird collection is essential.

The ideal candidate:

• An HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in the care and exhibition of birds in a zoological or bird collection
• Excellent avicultural knowledge and experience of bird husbandry, diet and reproduction techniques
• Have a strong work ethic
• Be an enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated team player
• Enthusiasm for and the understanding of modern zoos and the conservation challenges zoos face
• Outstanding observational skills, with a high attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desirable, but not essential:

• 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. A full driving licence valid in the UK is essential.

The Package

• Fixed term 6 month contract
• Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.
• 33 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Salary of £27,500 per annum (pro rata)
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends
• Access to healthcare plan
• 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%

More About Us

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 37,000 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.

The closing date for applications is 23 September 2026