Zoo Animal Care Apprentice – Conservation & Training

Breath HR; Twycross; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform

Free zoo entry

Discounts for staff

Free onsite parking

Monthly award scheme

Life assurance

Counselling services

Online discounts

Job summary

Twycross Zoo is seeking an animal care professional to join our team for a fixed-term contract from 4 January 2027 to 31 May 2027. Working pattern is approximately 5 days out of 7, totalling 37.5 hours per week with a 1 hour unpaid lunchbreak.

You will follow husbandry routines, support enrichment, and engage with visitors under guidance of senior staff. Applicants should have a BSc in an animal or conservation subject, a willingness to study toward the DMZAA, and a practical, flexible approach

Qualifications

• BSc in an animal or conservation-related subject desirable.
• Willingness to work towards the DMZAA qualification.
• Interest in the taxa, physiology, and management practices of zoo species.
• High motivation to deliver high standards and excellence.
• Good time management and ability to work independently under guidance.
• Competent communicator across the society with confidentiality.
• IT competent; willing to learn new systems such as ZIMS.
• Interest in breeding program management and broader conservation role.

Responsibilities

• Follow animal husbandry and management routines to provide high levels of care.
• Observations on animals and reporting concerns to senior staff.
• Ensure risk assessments and SOPs are followed for safe working practices.
• Record animal data such as diary entries and DAM daily reports.
• Engage with visitors on site and assist with talks and feeds.
• Support other departments including veterinary and conservation education.

Skills

BSc in animal-related subject

DMZAA qualification (planned)

Time management

Communication

MS Office

ZIMS familiarity

Flexibility

Physical fitness

Education

Bachelor's degree in an animal or conservation-related subject

Tools

MS Office

ZIMS

Job description

Twycross Zoo is seeking an animal care professional to join our team for a fixed-term contract from 4 January 2027 to 31 May 2027. Working pattern is approximately 5 days out of 7, totalling 37.5 hours per week with a 1 hour unpaid lunchbreak.

You will follow husbandry routines, support enrichment, and engage with visitors under guidance of senior staff. Applicants should have a BSc in an animal or conservation subject, a willingness to study toward the DMZAA, and a practical, flexible approach