Job opportunities

Experienced Animal Keeper

Experienced Animal Keeper Vacancy

The Zoological Society of Hertfordshire (ZSH) currently has a vacancy for an Experienced Zookeeper to join our diverse and skilled team here at Paradise Wildlife Park, with the opportunity of working with a range of taxa.

Our zookeepers are involved in a full range of husbandry duties, including enclosure maintenance, food provision, husbandry training and enrichment programmes.

As one of our Cover Keepers, you’ll have the opportunity to work on all five sections of our zoo (Paddocks, Primates & Small Mammals, Birds, Lower Vertebrates & Invertebrates and Large Carnivores), with future scope to focus on certain taxa dependant on experience, skills and interest.
  
The successful applicant will be actively involved in the delivery of interactive conservation education across the entire animal park, engaging with the public both formally (in Guest Experiences and Keeper Talks, for example) and informally in their day-to-day interaction with our visitors.

The successful applicant must have previous experience working in a zoo environment.

Paradise Wildlife Park is run by a friendly, dedicated team, including many committed volunteers, so we are looking for someone who is very personable and able to communicate well with both visitors and staff, as well as being self-motivated, enthusiastic and a good team player.

Job Details:
•    Full-time (38.75 hours per week), permanent position
•    08.00-17.00 April-Sept, 08.00-16.30 Oct-March (includes weekend and bank holiday work) with some overtime available for evening work and events on a flexible rostered basis
•    Starting Salary £21,681.40- £25,167.35 PA depending on skills and experience
•    Reports to Section Leaders, Head Keeper and Curator

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include: 
•    Carrying out and enforcing high standards of welfare and animal husbandry routines (e.g. food prep, feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision)
•    Undertaking and recording accurate animal observations
•    Delivering high standards of visitor interaction in the form of Keeper Talks, Encounters, Experiences, Tours and Education Events
•    Overseeing work experience students and volunteers/volunteer interns
•    Assisting in general duties and requirements, as directed by Senior Management

Requirements (essential): 
•    Proven experience (ideally 2 years plus) in the care and management of a variety of species
•    Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability empathise and engage with visitors 
•    Experience of delivering visitor experiences
•    Adaptable for a flexible rota
•    Physically fit for the demands of this role
•    Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle as the site is not accessible by public transport
•    In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must either be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Job Requirements (Desirable)
•    Experience of working with Category 1 species would be beneficial, although not essential