Job opportunities

Job opportunities

Markus Wilder

Full-time, permanent Animal Keeper, Elephants Section

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

South West Closing date for applications is: 29th Aug 2025
Contact: Kayla Seagrave ([email protected])
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: Level 1: £25,792.00 (£12.40 per hour) - Level 2: £26,457.60 per annum (£12.72 per hour).

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced motivated individual to join our committed friendly team of animal keepers.

We are looking to recruit an experienced animal keeper on our progressive Protective Contact Elephant Section which is acting as Europe’s premier African Elephant Bull facility.

This is a key role within the team of keepers covering a variety of duties. The position will take a proactive role in the daily management of the Elephant section as well as helping with other sections when required.

We expect applicants to have a sound knowledge of Elephant keeping, a strong work ethic and good team working skills as well as the ability to maintain high levels of hygiene.

Typical aspects of the role include:

  • Assist in the daily management and care of the Elephants on section, including food preparation, feeding, cleaning, enclosure maintenance and training.
  • Deliver talks and experiences to our visiting guests.

Applicant requirements:

  • Applicants will have at least 1 full year paid work as an Elephant Keeper
  • Hold an animal-based qualification.
  • Applicants must have a full driving licence.
  • Have working knowledge of a protected contact management system.
  • Experience with bull elephants preferable but not essential.
  • Applicants must be able to handle the physical nature of the role. Typically able to lift at least 20kg regularly as part of the working day.

Other job holder expectations:

  • Ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work and responsibilities.
  • Mindful of the visitor experience in all aspects of your work and in your contact with.
  • Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.
  • Christian belief is not expected, but willingness to work within the ethos of the charity is necessary.
  • Comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when required.
  • Undertake such other duties as are relevant with the position

This is a full-time position working a 40-hour week on a flexible rota (including weekends and bank holidays).

Apply for this job:

Please email us your CV and covering letter, please make the subject heading of your emails 'Application for Elephant Keeper' 

Your covering letter should include an accurate summary of your relevant experience with Elephants.  Cover letters should be no longer than 1 side of A4 (400 words).

We are looking to recruit an experienced animal keeper for this role as this is not an entry level position, as such applicants with no previous experience will not be considered at this point!