Job opportunities

Animal Keeper/Centre Assistant

Animal Keeper / Centre Assistant (Invertebrate Enthusiast)

Tropical Butterfly House Ltd, North Anston, South Yorkshire

Contract: Flexible / Part-Time / Seasonal (subject to business needs)

Do bugs fascinate you?

We're looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking and reliable Animal Keeper / Centre Assistant to join our team at Tropical Butterfly House Ltd.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves wildlife, enjoys working with people and has a genuine passion for insects, invertebrates and the often-overlooked creatures that make the natural world so extraordinary.

While you'll assist with the care of a wide range of animals across the park, we're particularly keen to hear from candidates who can tell the difference between fascination and fear when it comes to bugs! Whether you're interested in beetles, stick insects, mantids, butterflies, moths, leafcutter ants, spiders or other invertebrates, we want someone who is eager to share that enthusiasm with our visitors.

About the Role

This varied position combines animal care, visitor engagement and general centre operations. No two days are the same.

Duties may include:

- Assisting with the daily care and welfare of the animal collection

- Supporting the husbandry and maintenance of invertebrate exhibits and animal enclosures

- Preparing diets and enrichment for animals

- Delivering engaging animal encounters, talks and educational experiences

- Helping visitors discover the fascinating world of insects and other wildlife

- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout animal areas and the park

- Assisting in admissions, retail and other operational areas when required

- Keeping accurate records and following health, safety and welfare procedures

- Working as part of a dedicated team to deliver an outstanding visitor experience

We're Looking For Someone Who:

- Has a genuine interest in insects, invertebrates and the natural world

- Is enthusiastic about animal welfare and conservation

- Enjoys interacting with visitors of all ages

- Is confident handling or willing to learn to handle a variety of animals

- Has excellent communication and customer service skills

- Is proactive, dependable and willing to get stuck in

- Works well both independently and as part of a team

- Is happy working outdoors in all weather conditions

- Is flexible and available to work weekends, bank holidays and school holiday periods

Desirable Experience

- Animal Care qualification or relevant practical experience

- Experience working with invertebrates, exotic species or zoological collections

- Experience in visitor attractions, education, retail or customer-facing roles

- Knowledge of animal welfare and husbandry practices

Why Join Us?

At Tropical Butterfly House, wildlife conservation and education are at the heart of everything we do. You'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse animal collection, inspire visitors through memorable encounters and help champion some of nature's most misunderstood creatures.

If you're the sort of person who gets excited about finding a rare beetle, can happily spend time watching leafcutter ants at work, or loves sharing fascinating bug facts with anyone who will listen, we'd love to hear from you.