Job opportunities

Senior Animal Ranger

Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is looking for a passionate, motivated and experienced keeper to join our Animal Team as a Senior Animal Ranger.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly developing collection during a significant period of growth. With new species, new habitats and continued investment across the wildlife park, this role would suit someone who is ready to take the next step in their career while remaining hands-on in day-to-day animal care.

We are looking for someone who is practical, proactive and keen to develop as a senior team member within a hardworking, ambitious and supportive animal department.

About the Role

As Senior Animal Ranger, you will support the daily running of allocated sections while maintaining high standards of animal husbandry, welfare, presentation and safety. You will assist with team organisation, task delegation, staff mentoring and operational duties, while continuing to work directly with a varied and developing animal collection.

This role requires someone with strong practical skills as well as sound animal care experience. You will be confident with animals welfare, husbandry, maintenance, habitat improvements and the safe use of tools and equipment.

The successful candidate will begin our Senior Training Programme, which is designed to develop skills in leadership, advanced husbandry, welfare assessment, animal behaviour, operational planning, public engagement, emergency procedures, record keeping and compliance.

You will be joining a busy, positive and vibrant team, with regular team socials and opportunities to be involved in the continued development of the park.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of animal husbandry and welfare across allocated sections.
• Support daily team organisation and task delegation.
• Lead by example in enclosure presentation, cleanliness and safety standards.
• Assist with training and mentoring junior staff, students and work experience placements.
• Contribute to animal training, enrichment, behavioural observations and welfare monitoring.
• Support veterinary procedures, animal movements and accurate record keeping.
• Carry out enclosure maintenance, repairs and basic construction work to a high standard.
• Confidently use tools and equipment safely and effectively.
• Assist with habitat improvements, fencing, shelter building and general site maintenance when required.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures and zoo licensing requirements.
• Support management with operational duties when required.
• Demonstrate professionalism, initiative and strong communication skills at all times.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working within a zoo, wildlife park, farm park or animal collection.
• Strong practical animal husbandry skills.
• Confidence carrying out maintenance and practical building work.
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• High standards of organisation, cleanliness and attention to detail.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Flexible approach to working weekends, bank holidays and busy periods.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience supervising or mentoring others.
• Experience in firearms
• Experience in transferring animals
• Experience carrying out behavioural observations or enrichment planning.
• Knowledge of zoo licensing standards and health and safety procedures.
• Experience working with large mammals, carnivores, primates or mixed species collections.
• Experience using machinery, power tools or agricultural equipment.
• Animal-related qualification.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is ambitious, reliable and self-motivated, with a genuine passion for animal welfare. You should be practical, confident using your initiative and comfortable working within a fast-paced animal team.

This position would suit someone who wants to progress into a senior role, support others, and contribute to the continued growth and development of an expanding collection.

Why Join Us?

• Join a rapidly developing wildlife park during a significant period of growth.
• Be involved in new species, new habitats and ongoing section development.
• Work as part of a hardworking, knowledgeable and ambitious Animal Team.
• Develop leadership and operational skills through our Senior Training Programme.
• Take on real responsibility while remaining hands-on with animal care.
• Be part of a positive team culture with regular socials and events throughout the year.