Zoo Keeper (Cover Keeper)

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at a leading zoo where you will play a crucial role in animal care and guest engagement. As a Zoo Keeper, you will ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry for a diverse range of species while creating memorable experiences for visitors. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to conservation and education efforts, with a focus on personal development and teamwork. With a supportive environment and ongoing training, this position is perfect for those passionate about wildlife and eager to grow in their careers.

Benefits

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets

Company bonus

40% discount off LEGO

25% discount in retail shops and restaurants

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in a zoo environment or equivalent.
• Confident communicator with a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute environmental enrichment for animals.
• Deliver first-class experiences for guests.

Skills

Animal Husbandry

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Initiative

Education

Degree in Animal Science

Degree in Zoology

Degree in Biology

Job description

Chessington World of Adventures

Surrey Closing date for applications is: 23rd May 2025

Location: Leatherhead Road, Chessington, KT9 2NE

Here at Chessington World of Adventures we are recruiting for an Zoo Keeper to join our team!

The successful candidate will work alongside the Zoo Team and take an active role in the day-to-day running of the collection, including delivery of the highest standards of animal husbandry required by species such as Capybara, Asian small-clawed otters, Binturong and a range of primates.

Duties will include planning, evaluating and executing environmental enrichment for the animals under your care, alongside delivering first-class meet and greets and memorable experiences to our Adventurers. You will also be required to use positive reinforcement to train a wide variety of species for husbandry and presentations.

You will be part of a team that creates the most stimulating environment possible – for both animals and guests. 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 at all times as well as develop a personal training programme in conjunction with your Head of Section.

Qualifications & Experience

• A degree in Animal Science, Zoology, Biology, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience of working in a zoo environment or equivalent
• Confident communicator and show good initiative
• Passion and excitement for your chosen field, with a keen drive to develop your career as an animal keeper.
• Team player, with a positive, can – do attitude
• Able to stay focused and in control under pressure.
• Adaptability, flexibility and willingness to swap routines at short notice to meet the needs of changing circumstances.
• Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks
• Flexible availability around park hours, including weekends and holidays.
• An annual salary of £26,000
• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
• Company bonus
• 40% discount online off LEGO
• 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783.Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)