Job opportunities

Experienced Keeper

Location: Bristol Zoo Project and Bristol Zoo Gardens

Contract Type: Permanent

Bristol Zoological Society is recruiting for the position of an experienced Animal Keeper for Bristol Zoo Project. This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week as part of the departmental rota, which will include working alternate weekends and bank holidays.

Bristol Zoological Society is going through an exciting time with the development of Bristol Zoo Project. The first new animal exhibits will be our Central African Forest exhibit, which will include gorilla, managbey, slender snouted crocodiles, African grey parrots and critically endanger fish species. Future phases will also see the arrival of black rhino, mandrill, okapi, as well as state of the art conservation breeding and medicine centre.

The successful applicant will have experience working with a variety of zoo species and previous knowledge and experience working within a zoological collection. Experience with mammals; either primates, great apes or carnivores will be essential. There will be opportunities, depending on previous experience, to work at both Bristol Zoo Project and Bristol Zoo Gardens (with our gorillas) before they move to their brand new exhibit.

It would be desirable if applicants are holding either the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals, or a relevant degree. Applicants should have excellent communication skills, be hard working, a good team player and have an enthusiastic, outgoing personality. A full driving licence is also desirable for cross-site working.

This role covers all aspects of modern-day zoo keeping including daily husbandry routines, animal training, environmental enrichment, research, talks and guest experiences.

Benefits include:

• 30 days of annual leave and bank holidays (Pro-rated, inclusive of bank hols) increasing with length of service
• Access to our company pension scheme
• Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in service benefit (x3 salary)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loans
• Other flexible benefits include gym discounts and access to a health cash plan
• Hybrid working for certain roles, to allow you to work where you work best - We’re happy to discuss flexible working
• Family friendly policies with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption support
• Loyalty award after 5 years and every year subsequently
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential
• Free on-site car park