Zoo Keeper - Permanent Contract (subject to a three month probationary period)

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); Scotland; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wildlife conservation organization in Scotland is looking for a dedicated Zoo Keeper. This role involves animal husbandry across eight sections and engaging with visitors through talks and educational programs. The right candidate should have strong observational skills, be physically fit, and possess a Diploma in Zoo Management. Benefits include free family admission and discounts across outlets, with training opportunities available.

Benefits

Free zoo admission for family members

25% discount across food outlets and shop

Ongoing CPD and training opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be able to communicate on a one-to-one basis and deliver public talks.
• Must be physically fit and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Previous zoo experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Carry out work across all eight animal sections.
• Be responsible for daily husbandry of a wide range of species.
• Create and implement environmental enrichment.
• Engage with visitors and deliver talks.
• Record animal behavior and make sure notes are up to date.

Skills

Observation skills

Customer service skills

Physical fitness

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA)

Job description

Zoo Keeper - Permanent Contract (subject to a three month probationary period)

Five Sisters Zoo

Scotland

Closing date for applications is: 20th Jan 2026

We currently have an exciting job opportunity for a keeper to join us here at Five Sisters Zoo. This position will give the right candidate the opportunity to work with a range of our amazing animals. The candidate must be able to deliver an excellent level of animal husbandry and welfare for all animals in their care. We currently have eight animal sections at FSZ (Large Carnivores, Small Carnivores, Primates, Birds, Farm, CastleZoo, Domestics and Lost Kingdom Reptile House) and the successful candidate may be expected to carry out work on all sections. We pride ourselves on our high standards of animal welfare at FSZ and candidates must be able to maintain this high standard across all animal sections.

Responsibilities

• Carry out work across all eight animal sections here at FSZ.
• Be responsible for the daily husbandry of a wide range of species.
• Create, design, and implement environmental enrichment in a range of different enclosures.
• Engage with visitors to the park.
• Deliver talks to large crowds.
• Carry out work in all weather conditions.
• Be willing to work weekends and evenings when required.
• Liaise with other zoo departments (education, events etc) as and when necessary.
• Record animal behaviour and make sure section notes are up to date for our animal registrar.
• Report to senior keepers.
• Get involved with student placements and zoo research projects where appropriate.

Essential Requirements

• Fantastic observation skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Must be able to communicate on a one-to-one basis with staff and visitors as well as being comfortable delivering public talks to large crowds.
• Must be physically fit and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be comfortable working alone and part of a team.
• Must possess excellent customer service skills.
• Have a valid UK driving license or good access to public transport.
• Previous zoo experience.
• A Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA).
• Have experience implementing environmental enrichment.

Benefits

• Free zoo admission for family members.
• 25% discount across all food outlets and in the FSZ shop.
• Ongoing CPD and training opportunities.

Apply for this job:

Send a copy of your CV and covering letter, stating why you are applying and what you feel you could bring to this role, to [e-mail]. Please note - Your covering letter and CV should be saved as ONE DOCUMENT. Please save this document as a word document or PDF, using the formatting below, before sending:

FULL NAME - KEEPER APPLICATION - Winter2026