Zoo Keeper (Cover)

iCIMS; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merlin Magic Pass

Enjoy the Ride Pass

LEGO discount

Retail & dining discounts

Volunteer days

Job summary

Chessington World of Adventures is seeking a Cover Keeper to support multiple zoo sections, with a primary focus on the birds area. The role includes food prep, enrichment, enclosure care, and guest-facing animal talks and demonstrations.

Ideal candidates will have practical experience with various species, strong public-speaking skills, and the ability to adapt to changing schedules. A DMZAA or equivalent qualification is preferred and staff receive substantial employee discounts and perks.

Qualifications

• Practical experience with a wide range of species.
• Excellent communication skills including public speaking.
• Ability to stay focused under pressure.
• Excellent time management and organisation.
• Adaptability and willingness to swap routines at short notice.
• Quick learner able to pick up new skills efficiently.
• Basic computer literacy.
• DMZAA qualification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide support across all sections of the zoo as required.
• Based in the bird section with aviculture interest.
• Food preparation and delivery, enclosure cleaning and enrichment.
• Deliver animal talks, demonstrations and VIP experiences.
• Support health and safety and develop a personal training programme.
• Collaborate with Senior Keepers and Supervisors to support Zoo Operation.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Time management

Organisational skills

Adaptability

Quick learner

Basic computer literacy

Education

DMZAA qualification or equivalent

Job description

At Chessington, our adventurers don't just visit a zoo, they enter a living, breathing environment where every habitat is designed to inspire, educate and protect. As a Cover Keeper you'll provide support across all sections of the zoo as and when required. As the role will primarily be based within our bird's section, a particular interest in birds and aviculture would be highly desirable. In this role you would be expected to ensure all husbandry standards are kept at the highest level - this includes food preparation and delivery, enclosure cleaning, provision of enrichment and enclosure furnishing. Although tasks will be husbandry-focused, the daily routine will also include guest-facing activities such as delivering animal talks, participating in animal demonstrations or hosting VIP experiences - so a passion for great customer service is essential! You will work closely with the Senior Keepers and Supervisors across the zoo, as well as resort-wide departments, to support the delivery of the Zoo Operation. Since we're big on conservation, education and research, you'll have a big part to play in that too. You will also be keen to support all areas within our zoo, which will in turn benefit your own personal development. You will ensure the health and safety of yourself, colleagues and our guests as well as develop a personal training programme in conjunction with your Head of Section. This is a full-time role, working a flexible pattern across 5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays.

• Practical experience with a wide range of species is preferred
• Excellent communication skills - including demonstrable public speaking ability
• Able to stay focused and in control under pressure
• Excellent time management is essential as are good organisation skills
• Adaptability, flexibility and willingness to swap routines at short notice to meet the needs of changing circumstances
• A quick learner: ability to pick up new skills rapidly and get to grips with standard processes efficiently
• Basic computer literacy
• DMZAA qualification or equivalent
• 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants
• 40% off LEGO online
• Merlin Magic Pass - giving you free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year
• Enjoy the Ride Pass - giving you and 5 others a Merlin Annual Pass (Gold Edition)
• X2 volunteer days a year
• Discounted rates at Merlin hotels all over the world
• Employee pricing up to 55% off cinema tickets