Job opportunities

Zookeeper - Elephants

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

ZSL is looking for a Zoo Keeper on our Elephant section at Whipsnade Zoo. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone aspiring to work in a highly motivated and passionate team.  The way we manage our elephants is constantly evolving to ensure the highest standards of welfare and animal husbandry are being met, with the evaluation of behavioural data to inform evidence-based decisions for 24hr care. Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team to achieve our common goals will be key.

Key responsibilities:  

• Preparation of approved diets and the carrying out of feeding procedures
• Maintaining the highest standards of hygiene by cleaning and maintaining exhibits, equipment, and other designated areas
• Create a positive visitor experience by engaging effectively with customers through talks and demonstrations
• Data entry to animal records and onto daily record sheets, risk assessments and the ZIMS database

ABOUT YOU

Experience:

• Successful completion of the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) qualification (or equivalent).
• Practical experience of working with animals in a Zoo or aquarium (preferably animal management of exotic species).

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department
• Ability to think sustainably and maximise productivity and efficiency

  Additional requirements:

• This post will require extensive outside working with direct exposure to the weather and animals and working indoors in artificially high temperature
• Strong commitment to creating a culture that lives ZSL values and commitment to safeguarding, equality and diversity (collaborative, inspiring, inclusive, innovative, impactful and ethical) 
• The ZSL Zoos operate 7 days a week and requires an average of 37.5 hours per week on a rota (which includes weekends and bank holidays) 
• This role has significant physical demands and involves long periods of standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, pulling, etc. 
• Staff who are contracted in this role at our Whipsnade Zoo site require a full manual driving licence as an essential requirement

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.  

ABOUT US

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.  

What do we offer?  

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:  

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct 
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension. 
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you  
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays  
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day 
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops  
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle  
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages