Keeper - Elephants

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); Noordwes; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Chester Zoo, une organisation de conservation et d'éducation, cherche un gardien permanent pour la section éléphants. Le candidat idéal travaillera avec un groupe d'éléphants asiatiques et contribuera à des programmes de bien-être animal. Une qualification en sciences zoologiques est requise et une vaste expérience dans la gestion des grands mammifères est essentielle. Les candidats sont encouragés à postuler rapidement.

Benefits

33 jours de congé par an

Pass pour le personnel

Membre de l'assistance aux employés

Adhésion de gym à tarif réduit

Pension avec contributions généreuses de l'employeur

Opportunités de formation et de progression de carrière

Qualifications

• Expérience dans la gestion de grands mammifères.
• Capacité à travailler selon des pratiques de travail en toute sécurité.
• Expérience dans un zoo ou un parc safari

Responsibilities

• Travailler avec un groupe reproducteur d'éléphants asiatiques.
• Développer des normes de bien-être et de sciences pour l'espèce.
• Gérer la vie quotidienne des éléphants

Skills

Observation

Attention aux détails

Création d'environnements positifs pour les animaux

Conditionnement opérant

Education

HND ou diplôme en sciences zoologiques

Tools

ZIMS software

Job description

Chester Zoo

North West Closing date for applications is: 16th Jul 2025

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 90 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.
We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and despite all the recent challenges thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a permanent keeper to join us on the Elephant section. For the right candidate, this post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a breeding group of Asian elephants, leading in the development of science and welfare for the species.

Our Requirements

• A HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in the care and management of large mammal species that may include Giraffe, Rhinos and Elephants, in a zoo or safari park setting, as well as the highest standards of exhibitory
• Outstanding observational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Experience creating positive environments for animals
• Experience of working within strict Safe Working Practices
• Experience of operant conditioning in a zoo setting

Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous for this role in order to maintain accurate records.

The Package

• Permanent contract
• 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.
• Salary of £27,307 per annum
• 33 days annual leave per year
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends
• Employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%
• Excellent training and career progression opportunities

We anticipate the position starting on 25th August 2025 for the successful candidate.

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for the role will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once the successful candidate is found. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.

Closing date for applications is 16 July 2025

More About Us

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.

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)