West Section - Animal Keeper

James Kirby; Bristol; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits for a dedicated animal keeper to join a passionate team at a thriving facility. This full-time role involves caring for a diverse range of species, including African Lions and Spectacled Bears, while maintaining high hygiene standards. As part of a key team, you will engage with visitors through talks and experiences, and contribute to a positive team culture. With ongoing developments in the section, this is a perfect time to make a meaningful impact. If you have a strong work ethic, relevant experience, and a love for animal care, this position could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Experience with animal care and species management is essential.
• Candidates must have a strong work ethic and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily management and care of animals, including feeding and enclosure maintenance.
• Deliver engaging talks and experiences to visitors.

Skills

Animal Care

Teamwork

Communication Skills

Hygiene Standards

Driving License

Education

Animal-Based Qualification

Job description

We are looking for a passionate, articulate, and dedicated new team member to join our experienced animal team.

We are looking to recruit an animal keeper with experience to join our West section. This role will come with training to allow the successful applicant to achieve full keeping duties for the section.

We are currently undergoing major development on this section making this an exciting time to join the team.

We expect applicants to have knowledge and practical experience of at least some of the species concerned. A strong work ethic, good team working and communication skills and the ability to maintain high levels of hygiene.

This is a key role within the team, and you will take a full and proactive role in the daily management of the section, as well as helping with other sections as and when required.

This is a full-time position working a 40-hour week on a flexible rota (including weekends and bank holidays).

Species held on West Section: African Lions, Spectacled Bears, Coatis, Tapir, Capybara, Mara, Giant Anteater, Armadillo, Poison Dart Frogs.

Applicants must:

• Have previous keeping experience.
• Be familiar with the care required for a variety of species on section.
• Have an animal- based qualification.
• Be highly motivated.
• Have high standards of hygiene when working.
• Have a full driving license.

Key aspects of the role:

• Assist in the daily management and care of all animals on section, including food preparation and feeding, enclosure maintenance, enrichment, and training.
• Deliver talks, encounters, and experiences to our visitors.
• Drive the company vehicle for collection of resources, e.g. feed and veterinary supplies.
• Contribute to a positive team culture.

Salary: Level 1 Keeper - £24,211.20 per annum – Level 2 Keeper - £24,835.20 per annum.

To apply: Please send your CV and covering letter to the subject heading of your emails should read ‘Animal Keeper – West Section’

Your application must include an accurate summary of your relevant experience and a complete list of your working history. If your experience is with other zoo species, please describe and explain why you would like to move towards this section.

Cover letters should be no longer than 1 side of A4.

We are looking to recruit an experienced candidate for this role as this is not an entry level position, as such applicants with no previous professional experience will not be considered at this point.

Closing date for applications: 27 th December 2024

First stage interviews will take place via zoom with a few selected candidates being invited into the zoo for a second stage, which will include a trial working on section in the morning, followed by a second interview.

Candidates may be contacted about a zoom interview before the closing date as part of the process.