Job opportunities

Mammal Keeper – Large Mammals & Apes

About us:

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in south west England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.

Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Almost 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also a botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Experienced Keeper to join the Large Mammal & Ape section of our Mammal team on a permanent contract with a main focus on Ungulates with scope to also work on our Ape & Islands sections in the future. This is a full time role working 38.75 hours over 5 days working hours will vary over a 7 day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is £23,857.60 - £25,590.50 for a qualified keeper (qualified experience related scale). The species included on these areas are Zebra, Giraffe, Peccaries, Red River Hogs, Wallabies, Bongo, Rhino, Dik-Dik, Goats, Pigs and Porcupine.

 

What will this role involve?

You will be responsible for the hands-on day-to-day husbandry of a large and diverse collection of Large Mammals and Primates, focusing on animal welfare, bio-security, and record keeping and ensuring that exhibits are maintained to the highest standards.

 

What skills and experience are required?

You will have experience of working in zoological setting or similar establishment. You will have a can do attitude, good time management and a keenness to learn.

 

Benefits of joining our team include:

• 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Company sick pay
• Branded uniform provided (as required)
• Relevant internal and external training provided
• Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family
• Complimentary tickets
• Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
• Free staff parking
• Employee Assistance Programme
•  Paid time off for medical appointments
• Enhanced family leave

Please note interviews for this role will take place week commencing 6th January 2025

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.