Job opportunities

Trainee Animal Keeper

Hertfordshire Zoo is currently seeking a Trainee Cover Keeper 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, Ectotherms and Cats.

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.