Job opportunities

Keeper - Birds

We currently have a vacancy for a Keeper on one of our large and varied bird sections.

The Keeper will join one of our Bird Teams, and assist with the daily care and management of a variety of species including Passerines, Pigeons, Flamingos, Pheasants and Birds of Prey.
Chester Zoo aims to set a benchmark for animal conservation, husbandry and welfare and we are looking for an enthusiastic person who can deliver an excellent level of animal husbandry, care and welfare for the assigned birds; ensuring that all enclosures and facilities are maintained to the highest possible standards.
 

The Package:

• Full time, permanent contract
• 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.
• 33 days annual leave

• Salary £26,702.81 per annum
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends.
• Access to healthcare plan
• Employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%

Our Requirements:

• An HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in the care and exhibition of birds in a zoological or bird collection
• Excellent avicultural knowledge and experience of bird husbandry, diet and reproduction techniques
• Enthusiasm for and the understanding of modern zoos and the conservation challenges zoos face
• Outstanding observational skills, with a high attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous for this role in order to maintain accurate records.  A full driving licence valid in the UK would also be advantageous. Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered. 
 

Please be aware we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications or find the successful candidate. We would recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you complete the application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live. 

 

More About Us

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.   

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.