Job opportunities

Trainee Animal Keeper – Casual Hours

Trainee Animal Keeper – Casual Hours

Hertfordshire Zoo is currently seeking two Trainee Cover Keepers to support our Keeper team on a casual basis. This role offers the opportunity to work with a broad range of species across multiple animal sections and is well suited to individuals looking to gain further experience within a zoological environment. We are looking for candidates who are reliable, willing to learn, adaptable, and committed to maintaining high standards of animal care and visitor engagement.

As a Trainee Cover Keeper, you will assist with a wide variety of animal care tasks across the zoo’s five main sections: Paddocks & Farm, Primates & Small Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, and Large Carnivores.

Main Responsibilities and Duties:

·         Daily animal husbandry (feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision)

·         Enclosure maintenance and checks

·         Supporting and delivering visitor experiences, including Keeper Talks and Animal Experiences

·         Recording observations and maintaining accurate animal records

·         Supervising and working alongside volunteers and work experience students

·         Supporting general site maintenance and visitor services when required

Job Details:

·         Causal hours available throughout the year, generally 3-4 days per week

·         Hours: Summer 08.00-17.00, Winter 08.00-16.30

·         Applicants must be available and happy to work weekends, bank holidays and school holidays (flexibility in working days and hours is essential)

·         28 days PA paid annual leave (accrued pro-rata on hours worked)

·         Employee Assistant Programme, Company Pension and a whole host of staff benefits and discounts

·         Pay: National Minimum Wage (currently £7.55–£12.21 per hour, based on age)

Requirements:

·         An Animal Management-related qualification

·         Prior Zoo or relevant animal experience (voluntary or paid)

·         Excellent communication skills (both 1-1 and public speaking) and a great team player

·         Adaptable for a flexible rota

·         Physically fit for the demands of this role and happy working outside in all weathers

·         Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle (as HZ is not accessible by public transport)

·         In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must have existing rights to reside and work in the UK