Job opportunities

Zookeeper

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

ZSL is seeking a Zoo Keeper to work on the Tropical Bird Section at London Zoo. the role will involve the day-to-day husbandry of the birds in our tropical house and walk through exhibits.  The successful candidate must have a good practical knowledge of all aspects of aviculture and will be expected to deliver high standards of animal welfare and husbandry.  A proven track record in artificial incubation and hand rearing of a variety of bird species is essential, as well as excellent record keeping and good observation skills. Applicants must have Aviculture experience in a zoo environment and must be passionate about pushing the boundaries of Avian husbandry to constantly improve welfare.  Experience of dealing with the public is essential, together with the ability to work effectively within a team.

Key responsibilities:  

• Carrying out all aspects of animal husbandry including feeding, cleaning, and preparation of diets.
• Assisting in artificial incubation and hand rearing when needed and appropriate.
• To maintain and create appropriate avian environments to encourage on-show conservation breeding.
• Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are always followed.
• Reporting defects and repairs required to the Team Leader and Section Manager.
• Maintaining the animal exhibits to a high animal husbandry and welfare condition. 
• Communicate efficiently with public to increase public satisfaction and support the ZSL mission.
• Be actively involved in public engagement including giving talks and exhibit feed talks.

ABOUT YOU

• Proven practical experience of animal management with a large range of bird species. 
• Passion to work on evolving husbandry management within zoological collections creating positive environments for birds to thrive.
• Currently experienced in the core skills needed to work in a conservation breeding set up.
• To be able to demonstrate a good understanding of avian propagation - artificial incubation and hand rearing. 
• Be a positive influence on section and work well in a team environment.
• Have a qualification in a relevant field at university level and/or diploma in the DMZAA Keeper’s course/ keeper apprenticeship or equivalent work experience.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

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.