Job opportunities

Zookeeper

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Overview of the role:  

The main role of the flying bird Zookeeper position, is to assist and adhere to the animal department and section specific best practice protocols and procedures in relation to animal husbandry and welfare. Providing care and husbandry of the animals within the animal collection and create a positive visitor interaction within the Flying Bird Section. The role will  require you to deliver dynamic bird displays to the public in a relaxed up beat and engaging presentation style.  

 

Other day to day tasks are directed by the section Team Leader or other key senior animal department staff within the section.

 

Key responsibilities:  

 

• Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.
•  Prepare approved diets and carry out the correct feeding procedures for animals on section.
• Observe the behaviour, health and security of animals and report any problems to the Team Leader or Lead keeper.
• Support positive visitor experiences through good customer service and professional visitor engagement.
• Work within a team of trainers to achieve the sections bird training goals, using modern avian training techniques..
• Present multiple daily Free Flight Bird displays. 
• Work as part of a busy team
• Good time keeping and prioritisation skills. 
• Ability to fly falconiformes is desirable. 

 

ABOUT YOU

 

• 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).
• Proven experience within the field of bird training.

• 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

• Ability to deliver keeper talks and presentations.

• An ability to work as part of a team as well as an individual to complete section tasks.

• Demonstrates respectful, punctual, reliable, trustworthy, and diligent behaviour

• Capable of supporting volunteers, apprentices, students, and colleagues as requested.

• A presentable appearance through following uniform and clothing policy

• 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

•  Ability to deliver keeper talks and presentations.

• An ability to work as part of a team as well as an individual to complete section tasks.

• Demonstrates respectful, punctual, reliable, trustworthy, and diligent behaviour

• Capable of supporting volunteers, apprentices, students, and colleagues as requested.

• A presentable appearance through following uniform and clothing policy

 

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  
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work  
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages 

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.