Job opportunities

Experienced Animal Keeper

Full-Time Experienced Animal Keeper
Are you an experienced animal keeper looking to work across a diverse and exciting range of taxa? This permanent opportunity at Hertfordshire Zoo offers the chance to join a passionate, professional team delivering high standards of animal care and visitor engagement.
This is not an entry-level position. We are seeking applicants with proven, hands-on experience within a zoological collection, working with a range of species (candidates without relevant zoo or equivalent exotic/endangered animal experience will not be considered).
If you are dedicated, confident in your practical skills, and ready to contribute from day one, we would welcome your application.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include: 
•    Carrying out and enforcing high standards of animal welfare and husbandry routines (feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision) across all five sections of the zoo: Paddocks & Farm, Primates & Small Mammals, Birds, Ectotherms & Cats (with future scope to focus on specific taxa, depending on experience and development)
•    Confidently working across multiple sections, demonstrating strong practical competence in routine duties with minimal supervision
•    Maintaining trained behaviours as specified by the Section Leader/Deputy
•    Delivering high-quality visitor experiences, including Keeper Talks and Animal Experiences, with a professional and engaging approach
•    Accurately recording observations and maintaining clear, timely animal records
•    Taking ownership of designated areas, proactively identifying and addressing welfare, maintenance, and operational needs
•    Supervising and working effectively alongside volunteers and work experience students, providing appropriate guidance and support
•    Contributing positively to the wider team, communicating effectively and supporting colleagues where required
•    Carrying out enclosure maintenance, checks, and ensuring high presentation standards across all areas
•    Supporting general site maintenance and visitor services when required
•    Undertaking additional responsibilities to support the effective running of the site, including Fire Marshall, First Aid, company vehicle driving, and general site cleaning

Requirements (Essential): 
•    Animal science/management-related qualification (preferably Level 3 or above)
•    Minimum 2 years’ full-time, practical experience within a zoological collection (essential)
•    Demonstrable experience working with a range of taxa, ideally including exotic and/or endangered species
•    Excellent communication skills (both 1-1 and public speaking) and a strong team player
•    Proven record-keeping skills
•    Adaptable to a flexible rota, physically fit for the demands of the role, and comfortable working outdoors in all weathers
•    Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle (as HZ is not accessible by public transport)
•    Existing right to live and work in the UK

Job Details:
•    Full-time, permanent position; 08.00-17.00 April-Sept, 08.00-16.30 Oct-March; average of 5 days per week worked on a 3-week rolling rota (subject to change depending on the needs of the business)
•    Salary range £25,610.65-£26,376.35 PA based on an average 38.75 hour working week
•    28 days PA paid annual leave, increasing with length of service
•    Access to Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme
•    Staff discounts and other benefits, including free access to UK and European zoos and collections, regular team gatherings and celebrations, and a company Conservation Award (giving team members the chance to travel together to one of our supported global conservation project partners)