Job opportunities

Animal Keeper - Chimpanzees

Job title: Animal Keeper - Chimps

Location: Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, FK9 4UR

Salary: From £25,100 p.a.

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Insurance, Staff Family Passes, EAP, 20% Staff discount in Park, free parking, uniform.

Working hours: 40 hours per week (10 days in 14)

The Company

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park was opened to the public in 1970 and was, at the time, one of Britain’s first safari parks. We are now one of the most popular visitor attractions in Scotland. The Park has a strong focus on conservation, education and the local community. We also run a successful fundraising program for conservation “link to the wild”.

We are currently looking for an experienced and confident animal keeper to join our team working predominately with our troop of chimpanzees.   This position is offered on a full time, permanent basis.

The Role

·         This is an exciting opportunity working as part of a small team with primary responsibility for the management and welfare of our chimpanzees.

·         The position involves carrying out husbandry tasks such as, feeding, cleaning, training, health monitoring, development of enrichment all delivered to a high standard. The successful candidate will also have associated skills required for enclosure maintenance and building of enrichment devises.

Applicant Requirements

• This person must be a pro-active and self- motivated individual that will take a hands-on approach and strive for high standards of animal care.
• The candidate must have an interest and knowledge of Great Apes and previous experience of working with category 1 animals.
• Experience in operant conditioning training would be an advantage, but not essential.
• The successful candidate will be able to work well as part of a team, have the ability to use their initiative, display an interest in and commitment to animal welfare, environmental enrichment, behavioural enrichment, feeding enrichment and conservation,
• Weekend, bank holiday working and flexibility in working hours is essential to this role. Some evening work will be required during special events throughout the year.
• Ensuring the safety of our visitors, staff and animals is of key importance and ensuring that health & safety protocols are followed at all times. 

Applicant Essentials

• Experience of working with similar species or other category 1 animals. Minimum 2 + years.
• Good observation and communication skills.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• High understanding of following safe working protocols.
• A current full driving licence.
• Animal related qualification to HND level or above
• The zoo animal management qualification (DMZAA) is desirable but not essential for this position.