Job opportunities

Trainee Keeper (Ectotherms)

Trainee Keeper (Ectotherms)

Salary: £8,932

Contracted Hours: 15 hours per week

Location: Bristol Zoo Gardens

Contract Type: Permanent, Part Time

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 a Trainee Animal Keeper (Ectotherms). This is a part time position working 15 hours per week as part of the departmental rota, which may include working alternate weekends and bank holidays. It will mainly be based at our Clifton site working with our diverse Ectotherms 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.

The successful applicant will have experience working with a variety of ectotherms 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.

With a new strategy in place to create a world-class Bristol Zoo and 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.

Your work-life balance is important to us, and we’re happy to support flexible working – be that through your working pattern, or hybrid working for certain roles. We just need to ensure that you have some time to connect with the rest of your team and are able to deliver the responsibilities of your role.

Benefits include:

• 30 days of annual leave (Pro-rated, inclusive of bank hols) increasing with length of service with an option to buy up to 5 days’ additional holiday
• Access to our company pension scheme
• Enhanced family leave – supporting you with the important milestones in your life with enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• 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 and season ticket loans supporting you to spread the cost of environmentally friendly transport options.
• Other flexible benefits including access to a health cash plan to help you with everyday healthcare costs
• Access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of retailers to help make your money go further including gym discounts
• Hybrid working for certain roles, to allow you to work where you work best - we’re happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles.
• Option for Lifestyle Break after one years’ service
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential