Primates and Carnivores Keeper

Wild Planet Trust; Paignton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Wild Planet Trust as a Primates and Carnivores Keeper, responsible for the daily care of diverse animal species at Paignton Zoo. This permanent position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience and offers a competitive salary along with various employee benefits.

Benefits

33 days paid holiday pro-rata

Branded uniform provided

Free entry to our zoos for staff and family

Discounts in Catering and Retail outlets

Free staff parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• At least 2 years experience with carnivores or Category 1 primates.
• Broad knowledge of husbandry practices.
• Ability to adapt to an ever-changing department.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for day-to-day husbandry of primates and carnivores.
• Focus on animal welfare and record keeping.
• Ensure exhibits are maintained to the highest standards.

Skills

Animal welfare

Observation skills

Record keeping

Job description

Location Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU Salary £25,167.35 - £26,698.75 per annum (Experience related scale) Application Deadline Thursday, June 19, 2025 Job Summary

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in southwest England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.

Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Over 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also an award-winning botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.

We have an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Primates and Carnivores Keeper to join our Mammals team on a permanent contract. You will work 38.75 hours per week over 5 days over a 7 day rolling rota which includes weekends and Bank Holidays. The salary for this role is £25,167.35 - £26,698.75 per annum depending on experienced.

You will be responsible for the hands-on day-to-day husbandry of a large and diverse collection of primates and carnivores including six species of Afro- Eurasian monkeys, neotropical monkeys and Pygmy slow loris, a diverse range of carnivore species, and small mammal species such as; Short beaked Echidna and three banded Armadillo. You will focus on animal welfare, biosecurity, record keeping and ensuring that exhibits are maintained to the highest standards.

It is essential that you will have at least 2 years of prior experience working with either carnivores or Category 1 primates in a zoological collection or similar establishment. Experience of working with both species would be advantageous. You will have a broad knowledge of husbandry practices. You will have good observation skills and attention to detail is essential for the monitoring of animal health and the welfare of the collection as well as a working knowledge of ZIMs and record keeping skills. You must be highly motivated with a positive outlook and the willingness to adapt to an ever-changing department.

Benefits of joining our team include:

• 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)

• Branded uniform provided (as required)
• Relevant internal and external training providedincluding First Aid and Mental Health First Aid

• Free entry to our zoos for staff and family

• Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)

• Free staff parking

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunities to join our Firearms team (subject to conditions)

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

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