Job opportunities

Animal Keeper (Ectotherms)

Qualified Keeper

Salary: £23,005

Contracted Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Bristol Zoo Gardens and Bristol Zoo Project

Contract Type: Permanent

Bristol Zoological Society, the conservation and education charity that runs and operates Bristol Zoo Project (previously Wild Place Project), higher education programmes and conservation projects across the world, is recruiting an Animal Keeper. This is a full-time position working an average of 37.5 hours per week as part of the departmental rota, which includes working alternate weekends and some bank holidays. The role will mainly be based at our Clifton site working with our diverse Ectotherm collection, but may require working at Bristol Zoo Project.

If you would like the advert in an alternative format, or would like to talk about how we can adjust the interview process to best support you, please contact 

We are committed to employing from all areas of the community, we value equality and diversity across our workforce and aim to ensure our staff is reflective of the diversity of the community. In support of this commitment, we welcome applications from the Global Majority.

Bristol Zoological Society is currently planning our new Zoo at our Bristol Zoo Project site. The first animal phase of these plans will be our Central African Forest exhibit, which will include gorilla, managbey, slender snouted crocodiles, Barombi Mbo cichlids and African grey parrots. Future phases will also see the arrival of black rhino, mandrill, okapi, as well as state of the art conservation learning breeding and medicine centre being built. 

The successful applicant will have experience working with a variety of zoo species and previous knowledge and experience working within a zoological collection. It would be desirable if applicants have 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.

Bristol Zoological Society is a conservation charity with a new strategy in place to create a world-class Bristol Zoo with conservation and sustainability at its heart, the new Bristol Zoo Project will offer spacious, modern facilities, significant growth in our conservation and education work, and an innovative and exciting visitor experience. The role will help to realise our vision of saving wildlife together, and you will be involved in supporting our transformation programme – driving visitor numbers at Bristol Zoo Project and excitement as plans for the new Zoo progress. We know that everyone here at the Society can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

As a Disability Confident Employer if you identify yourself as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 definition and can demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification, we will guarantee an interview.

Benefits include:

• 30 days of annual leave (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