Job opportunities

Animal Keeper

Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park is a family-friendly attraction set in the Buckinghamshire countryside, home to a diverse collection of domestic and exotic animals. The park is committed to high standards of animal welfare, education, and conservation, with a particular focus on native and European wildlife species and the conservation of rare breeds. Alongside providing memorable visitor experiences, Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park aims to inspire a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world in a welcoming and engaging environment. 

This is an exciting time to join the team, with a number of new developments, projects, and positive changes taking place across the farm and wildlife park as we continue to grow and evolve. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking Animal Keeper to join our animal care team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to develop a career working with animals in a busy farm and wildlife park setting. 

The successful candidate will work closely with the animal team to help deliver excellent standards of animal welfare, husbandry, cleanliness, and visitor engagement across a varied collection of species. 

What the Role Involves 

• Daily feeding, cleaning, and care of a range of animal species. 

• Preparing diets and maintaining high hygiene standards in animal enclosures and service areas. 

• Working within a functioning farm environment, including livestock systems connected to meat production. 

• Monitoring animal health and behaviour and reporting concerns to senior staff. 

• Assisting with enrichment activities and maintaining animal welfare standards. 

• Maintaining high standards of record keeping. 

• Supporting visitor experiences, talks, and animal encounters. 

• Helping maintain safe, clean, and welcoming public areas. 

• Assisting with general farm and park duties as required. 

• Working outdoors in all weather conditions. 

Essential Requirements 

• A genuine passion for animal care and welfare. 

• Minimum of 1-year paid animal care experience. 

• DMZAA qualification or equivalent qualification. 

• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle due to the park’s rural location. 

• Reliable, hardworking, and willing to learn. 

• Confident working as part of a team. 

• Good communication and customer service skills. 

• Physically fit and capable of manual work. 

• Willingness to work weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays. 

• Ability to follow instructions and maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety. 

Desired Requirements 

• Experience working with domestic animals and birds of prey. 

• Experience within a working farm, with particular emphasis on lambing.  

• Extensive experience working in a visitor attraction or customer-facing environment. 

• An interest in conservation, education, and public engagement. 

What We Offer 

• A supportive and friendly working environment. 

• Hands-on experience with a variety of species. 

• Opportunities to develop animal husbandry skills and gain industry experience. 

• Staff discounts and park benefits. 

• Training and development opportunities.