Job opportunities

Zookeeper

Overview of the role:  

The Zoological Society of London is looking for a Zookeeper to join the Bird Section based at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, working an average of 37.5 hours per week. Whipsnade Zoo’s Bird section comprises of a wide range including Gruiformes, Passerines, Penguins and Ratites. We have extensive off show bird breeding facilities at Whipsnade where we are involved with many threatened species breeding programs including those for Asian songbirds, hornbills, and cranes. As outlined in our Bird Sections Strategy we are working to develop our avicultural expertise and apply these to in-situ bird recovery programs where appropriate. You will be responsible to the section Team Leader or other key senior animal department staff within the section. 

Key responsibilities:

• Observing the behaviour, health and security of animals and reporting any problems to the team leader or senior staff.
• Ensure that conditions for the birds are of the highest standards and report any problems, including defects or repairs required to enclosures, to the senior staff on section and relevant departments required.
• Assisting with preparing approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
• Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and designing enrichment devices.
• Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are always followed.
• Supporting in the training and mentoring of less experienced staff.
• Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors and media.
• Supporting broader ZSL lead events such as late evenings and specialist functions.
• Contributing to team goals of avian propagation and contributing to ex-situ population management

ABOUT YOU

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Previous experience of aviculture in a zoo or equivalent environment.
• Knowledge and experience with incubation and hand-rearing 
• A qualification in zoo animal management such as the DMZAA or equivalent level.
• Good communication skills, enthusiasm, and an outgoing and friendly personality. 
• A full/clean driving license - essential.

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.