Trainee Animal Keeper

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A UK-based zoo organization is seeking a Trainee Cover Keeper. This role offers the chance to work with various species while supporting the Keeper team on a casual basis. Responsibilities include daily animal care, maintaining enclosures, and engaging with visitors. Candidates should possess an Animal Management-related qualification and relevant experience. Flexibility in working days is essential.

Benefits

28 days paid annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Company Pension

Staff benefits and discounts

Qualifications

• Prior Zoo or relevant animal experience (voluntary or paid).
• Full UK driving license and access to own vehicle.
• Existing rights to reside and work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily animal husbandry tasks.
• Support and deliver visitor experiences.
• Maintain and check enclosures.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Team player

Adaptability

Physical fitness

Education

Animal Management-related qualification

Job description

Hertfordshire Zoo

UK Closing date for applications is: 7th Dec 2025

Salary: National Minimum Wage (currently £7.55–£12.21 per hour, based on age)

Hertfordshire Zoo is currently seeking a Trainee Cover Keeper to support our Keeper team on a casual basis. This role offers the opportunity to work with a broad range of species across multiple animal sections and is well-suited to individuals looking to gain further experience within a zoological environment. We are looking for candidates who are reliable, willing to learn, adaptable, and committed to maintaining high standards of animal care and visitor engagement.

As a Trainee Cover Keeper, you will assist with a wide variety of animal care tasks across the zoo’s five main sections: Paddocks & Farm, Primates & Small Mammals, Birds, Ectotherms and Cats.

Main Responsibilities and Duties

• Daily animal husbandry (feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision)
• Enclosure maintenance and checks
• Supporting and delivering visitor experiences, including Keeper Talks and Animal Experiences
• Recording observations and maintaining accurate animal records
• Supervising and working alongside volunteers and work experience students
• Supporting general site maintenance and visitor services when required

Job Details

• Causal hours available throughout the year, generally 3-4 days per week
• Hours: Summer 08.00-17.00, Winter 08.00-16.30
• Applicants must be available and happy to work weekends, bank holidays and school holidays (flexibility in working days and hours is essential)
• 28 days PA paid annual leave (accrued pro-rata on hours worked)
• Employee Assistant Programme, Company Pension and a whole host of staff benefits and discounts

Pay

National Minimum Wage (currently £7.55–£12.21 per hour, based on age)

Requirements

• An Animal Management-related qualification
• Prior Zoo or relevant animal experience (voluntary or paid)
• 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.

Apply for this job

If you would like the opportunity to join our team, please email your CV and cover letter stating what makes you a suitable candidate to [e-mail] using “Trainee Keeper” as the subject.

Closing Date: Sunday 7th December 2025.