Zoo Keeper (Cover)

Merlin; Greater London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25% discount in shops/restaurants

40% off LEGO online

Merlin Magic Pass

Enjoy the Ride Pass

Volunteer days

Hotel discounts

Cinema tickets discount

Job summary

Chessington World of Adventures Resort is seeking a dedicated Cover Keeper to support all zoo sections, with a primary focus on birds. You will assist with husbandry, enrichment, food prep and enclosure care while engaging guests through talks and demonstrations.

The role requires adaptability, strong communication skills and a passion for customer service. A flexible pattern across 5 days in a 7-day week including weekends is expected.

Qualifications

• Practical experience with a wide range of species preferred.
• Excellent communication skills – including demonstrable public speaking ability.
• Able to stay focused and in control under pressure.
• Excellent time management and organisation skills.
• Adaptability and willingness to swap routines on short notice.
• Quick learner and able to grasp standard processes.
• Basic computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide husbandry support across zoo sections, with emphasis on birds.
• Food preparation and delivery, enclosure cleaning and enrichment provisioning.
• Deliver animal talks, demonstrations or host VIP experiences for guests.
• Work with Senior Keepers and Supervisors to support Zoo Operation delivery.
• Contribute to conservation, education and research initiatives.
• Develop a personal training plan in consultation with Head of Section.

Skills

Bird care

Aviculture

Public speaking

Time management

Flexibility

Adaptability

Computer literacy

Education

DMZAA qualification or equivalent

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

Ready to step into a wild world of conservation, care and unforgettable animal moments as a Zookeeper at Chessington World of Adventures Resort?

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.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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

Benefits

• 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

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

GBP £27,000.00/Yr.