Job opportunities

Ectotherms Zookeeper

Purpose of the role:

ZSL Whipsnade zoo is looking for a full time Zookeeper on our Ectotherms team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a wide range of species and specifically a large number of critically endangered and extinct in the wild freshwater fish. 

The role will require a collaborative approach working across ectothermic range of taxa with a focus on ex situ conservation, animal welfare and animal husbandry. The role will require the candidate to adhere to best practice protocols and procedures carried out at ZSL Ectotherms department directed by the Team leader and other senior members of the team. 

Key responsibilities:

• Cleaning on and off show enclosures to the highest standards.
• Preparing diets for a range of taxa. 
• Active role in freshwater fish conservation efforts in the Whipsnade zoo aquarium lab.
• Significant focus on Freshwater fish and an enthusiasm to work with this taxa
• This role will include manual work in warm environments. 
• Collaborative with volunteers who play a critical role in the Ectotherms butterfly house.
• Data entry using the ZIMs software.
• Closing down and signing off section.
• Be involved in health discussions and improvements to enclosures and animal welfare across section.
• Ensure the policy for equality and diversity is adhered to and promoted in all aspects of the role.

About You:

• Successful completion of the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Programme or a Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) qualification (or equivalent).
• Practical experience of working with animals in a Zoo or aquarium/ trade (preferably animal management of exotic species).
• An enthusiasm for working with aquatic species preferably fish 
• An ability to work as part of a team as well as an individual to complete section tasks.
• Demonstrates respectful, punctual, reliable, trustworthy, and diligent behaviour
• Capable of supporting volunteers, apprentices, students, and colleagues as requested
• This role has significant physical demands and involves long periods of standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, pulling, in warm environments. 
• Staff who are contracted in this role at our Whipsnade Zoo site require a full manual driving license as an essential requirement

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.  

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

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.