Job opportunities

Assistant Zookeeper - Tropical Birds

Purpose of the role:

Join our team and gain hands-on experience working with tropical birds at London Zoo! In this role, you’ll support zookeepers with daily animal husbandry and welfare, ensuring the highest standards of care. You’ll assist in maintaining enclosures, preparing diets, and monitoring animal health, all while following best-practice protocols. Additionally, you'll play a key role in visitor engagement, helping to educate and inspire the public about these incredible species. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills while working closely with a diverse range of tropical birds in a dynamic zoo environment.

Key responsibilities:  

• Support daily husbandry: Assist keepers with cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.
• Monitor animal welfare: Observe behaviour, health, and security, promptly reporting concerns to senior staff.
• Enhance animal enrichment: Assist zookeepers in developing training and enrichment programmes.
• Engage with visitors: Answer questions in a friendly and informative manner, ensuring a positive experience at ZSL.
• Maintain accurate records: Assist with data entry in ZIMS and ensuring essential information is documented.
• Ensure visitor safety: Act as the point of contact in walk-through exhibits, advising on the correct action in case of incidents.
• Assist with feeding routines: Prepare approved diets and following the correct feeding procedures.
• Adhere to safety protocols: Follow all safe systems of work, risk assessments, and emergency procedures.
• Communicate effectively: Work with animal-keeping staff to ensure smooth daily operations and accurate record-keeping.
• Promote equality and diversity: Ensure these values are upheld in all aspects of the role.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned from time to time that  are in line with the level of the role.

About You:

• Practical experience working with animals, demonstrating a passion for their care and welfare.
• Thrives in a team environment but are equally capable of working independently to complete tasks.
• Punctual, reliable, and diligent, showing respect and professionalism in all aspects of your work.
• Strong communication skills, exercising sound judgment when relaying information and engaging with visitors.
• Proactive problem-solver, particularly in high-traffic walkthrough areas, making quick decisions to ensure both visitor and animal safety while following Health and Safety guidelines.
• Confident in delivering keeper talks and presentations, engaging visitors with insightful and educational content.
• A strong interest in natural history and zoology, with a passion for animal care and conservation is desirable. 

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

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.