Job opportunities

Lead Keeper (with experience in large carnivores)

Beale Wildlife Park is situated in a beautiful area in the Thames Valley, close to Reading. This area is a hotspot for wildlife from red kites to European otters. Our zoo is ideally situated to support native species and habitat conservation in our local area.

We are a well established charitable trust, where conservation, education and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.  The park covers 40 acres and is situated within a stunning 350 acre estate, which leaves us with a huge opportunity for growth.  If successful, you would be joining us at a very exciting period of fast development.  Over the past year, we have brought in over 30 new species and paired up several others, we have some incredibly exciting plans for several new taxa.  We’re always looking towards the next development, whether that be for a new species or improving conditions for existing animals.  We have a fantastic opportunity for a lead keeper to join our team and we are looking for an experienced, inspiring and enthusiastic candidate to take on this role. 

Carving out a reputation for holding a good number of quirky, less represented taxa in UK collections, we share our park with over 120 species from tomistoma to tayra!  Within the past 12 months, we have built one of the largest lynx habitats in the UK, The Twilight Zone, Human Nature, a new tayra breeding complex, a new crocodile and python house, and countless other smaller projects.  We have several very exciting upcoming projects in the pipeline, but the applicant for this position should have experience with large carnivores.

The role

You will be part of a dynamic team, working with the support of the Head of Living Collections and their Deputy to inspire and mentor the keepers and volunteer teams.  You will be responsible for ensuring the best standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibit presentation are being carried out. In addition to this, you will be supporting both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, education and research along with providing input into new zoo developments.

·      A minimum of 4 years experience working with animals in a zoological setting (experience with category 1 animals is essential, preferably large carnivores).

·      Animal management qualification of Level 3 or above.

·      Manage staff, volunteers and animals on their section, to include the training of new staff and ongoing current developmental needs of current staff.

·      To observe the behaviour, health and security of animals on the section and report any problems to the manager.

·      Ensure a high standard of cleanliness in and around animal enclosures; including strimming and management of weeds.

·      Devise and implement training and enrichment programs.

·      Keeping detailed records of the animals on section.

·      Weekend management of the park, to include lock-up and assisting with customer queries / complaints as per park procedure.

·      Devising and delivering informative and entertaining keeper talks with the use of a microphone.

·      Be willing to undergo regular CPD, including training on new skills (e.g. tractor driving etc)

·      You must hold a full and clean UK driving license and your own transport,  as well as either live locally or have the ability to move to within daily driving distance.

Desirable

·      Good IT skills and a working knowledge of ZIMS and Microsoft office package

·      Good DIY skills

·      Sound knowledge of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment practices

·      The willingness to join the firearms team.

The package

Salary  £ 22K & the potential to live in onsite accommodation.

Complimentary zoo tickets for friends and family

28 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays

Staff discount in retail and food outlets

40 hours per week including every other weekend and bank holidays. Working hours are 8.00-17.00 summer and 8.00-16.30 winter. 15 minute paid break and 30mins –  1 hour unpaid lunch (dependant on the season).