Primates & Small Mammals Keeper - Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in animal care is seeking a dedicated Primates & Small Mammals Keeper for a fixed-term role. This exciting opportunity involves delivering top-notch animal husbandry, engaging with visitors through Keeper Talks, and maintaining high welfare standards for a variety of species. The role requires a passionate individual with strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team. You'll be part of a professional team at a renowned zoo, contributing to the care of animals and enhancing visitor experiences. If you are enthusiastic about wildlife and ready for a new challenge, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

28 days paid annual leave

Employee Assistant Programme

Company Pension

Staff benefits and discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years relevant species experience in a zoological collection.
• Excellent communication skills and a great team player.

Responsibilities

• Enforce high standards of welfare and animal husbandry routines.
• Deliver high standard visitor experiences, including Keeper Talks.
• Supervise and work alongside volunteers and work experience students.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Communication skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Animal science-related qualification

Tools

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Primates & Small Mammals Keeper - Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)

Hertfordshire Zoo

UK Closing date for applications is: 11th May 2025

Full-Time Keeper – Primates & Small Mammals

Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)

Are you an experienced animal keeper looking to work with an exciting variety of Primates and Small Mammals? This fixed-term opportunity at Hertfordshire Zoo (formerly Paradise Wildlife Park) offers the chance to join a passionate, professional team delivering high standards of animal care and visitor engagement. If you’re enthusiastic, dedicated, and ready for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:

1. Carrying out and enforcing high standards of welfare and animal husbandry routines (feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision) on the Primates & Small Mammals section
2. Maintaining trained behaviours as specified by Section Leader/Deputy
3. Delivering high standard visitor experiences, including Keeper Talks and Animal Experiences
4. Recording observations and maintaining accurate animal records
5. Supervising and working alongside volunteers and work experience students
6. Enclosure maintenance and checks
7. Supporting general site maintenance and visitor services when required
8. Other duties to support effective and efficient running of the site including Fire Marshall, First Aid, Company vehicle driver and general site cleaning

Requirements:

• An animal science-related qualification
• Minimum 2 years relevant species experience in a zoological collection
• Excellent communication skills (both 1-1 and public speaking) and a great team player
• Adaptable for a flexible rota, physically fit for the demands of this role and happy working outside in all weathers
• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle (as HZ is not accessible by public transport)
• In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must have existing rights to reside and work in the UK.

Full-time, fixed-term contract, initially for 12 months; 08.00-17.00 April-Sept, 08.00-16.30 Oct-March; starting on a rolling rota with a set weekday off (subject to change depending on the needs of the business); effective from 1st July 2025.

Starting salary circa £24,603.15 PA based on an average 37.5 hour working week.

28 days PA paid annual leave.

Employee Assistant Programme.

Company Pension and a whole host of staff benefits and discounts.

Apply for this job:

To apply, please email your CV and cover letter stating what makes you a suitable candidate to [e-mail] using “Primates & Small Mammals Keeper” as the subject.

Closing Date: Sunday 11th May 2025.