Job opportunities

Keeper Assistant Placement

Dartmoor Zoo is seeking placement students for the role of ‘Keeper Assistant’ for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Placements will help with daily husbandry routines of the animal collection under the direction of the Keepers, Senior Keeper and Animal Manager. You will assist the keepers with some of their daily duties, working with a wide range of mammal, bird and reptile species.

We ask for a minimum of 3 days a week for 6 months. However we can accept up to full time (5 days a week) for up to 12 months.

This will include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

• Preparing and distributing food and water to the animals, following prescribed diets
• Washing of dishes, cleaning of kitchens, keeper yard, equipment and enrichment items
• Sorting food, invertebrate, hay and straw deliveries
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in all animal enclosures, public viewing and off-view areas
• Monitoring the animals carefully for any behavioral, reproductive or medical problems
• Providing enrichment specific to the species requirements to fulfil their natural behaviours
• Basic DIY, small fixes and repairs
• Assisting with the capture and restraint of animals when needed, whilst minimising the stress on the animal
• Adhering to all prescribed safety and emergency procedures to ensure the safety of animals, staff and the visiting public