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DMDrayton Manor Zoo
Drayton Manor ZooZoo

Keeper

Location

Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

3-7 years

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

Posted

1d ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

As a Keeper at Drayton Manor Zoo, you will be responsible for the daily management of animal husbandry, exhibit presentation, and guest engagement. This hands-on role involves ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, preparing diets, maintaining habitats, and delivering engaging conservation talks to visitors.

Are you passionate about wildlife, conservation and providing the highest standards of animal care?

We're looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Keeper to join our experienced team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse collection of species, ensuring exceptional standards of animal welfare while helping to create memorable and educational experiences for our guests.

If you're committed to making a real difference to the lives of animals and inspiring visitors through conservation and education, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As a Keeper, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of animal husbandry, exhibit presentation and guest engagement. Working closely with the senior team, you will help deliver the highest standards of animal welfare through evidence-led husbandry, environmental enrichment and continual improvements to animal habitats.

This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same.

Key Responsibilities

  • Carry out daily husbandry duties to ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare.

  • Assist with the smooth running of all animal sections.

  • Prepare, formulate and present animal diets in line with nutritional guidelines.

  • Design, maintain and improve enclosures and habitats that meet the behavioural and welfare needs of each species.

  • Monitor animal health and behaviour, reporting any concerns promptly.

  • Contribute to evidence-led husbandry practices that maximise welfare outcomes.

  • Research species within the collection to continually improve husbandry standards and animal welfare.

  • Develop and deliver environmental enrichment programmes that encourage natural behaviours.

  • Maintain high standards of exhibit presentation and cleanliness.

  • Deliver engaging keeper talks and interact with guests, answering questions and promoting conservation and education.

  • Ensure resources are used efficiently and sustainably.

  • Complete mandatory health and safety training and work safely at all times.

  • Undertake role-specific training in accordance with company procedures and standards.

  • Carry out any additional duties relevant to the role as requested by the senior team.

About You

You will:

  • Be passionate about animal welfare and conservation.

  • Have excellent husbandry skills and a proactive approach to animal care.

  • Enjoy working as part of a team while also being confident working independently.

  • Be friendly, approachable and confident engaging with visitors.

  • Be flexible and willing to work weekends, bank holidays and busy seasonal periods.

  • Be committed to maintaining the highest standards of welfare, presentation and guest experience.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

  • Minimum Level 3 qualification in Animal Management or a related subject.

  • Minimum of three years' experience working in a similar keeper role.

  • Good written and verbal communication skills.

  • Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

  • Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Skills & Experience

  • BSc (Hons) in Zoo Management, Zoology or a related discipline.

  • Specialist knowledge or advanced expertise in one or more areas of animal management.

  • Understanding of legislation and regulations relating to the management of animals in zoos.

  • Experience using hand tools and garden machinery safely, including leaf blowers and other maintenance equipment.

  • Firearms certification and/or relevant experience for authorised animal management purposes.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a passionate team committed to excellence in animal welfare, conservation and education. You'll work with a wide variety of species in a dynamic environment where your knowledge, skills and dedication will help provide outstanding care for our animals and an exceptional experience for our visitors.

If you're ready for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of our dedicated Keeper team.

Updated 1d ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Husbandry • 1+ yrs
Animal Welfare • 1+ yrs
Conservation • 1+ yrs
Environmental Enrichment • 1+ yrs
Guest Engagement • 1+ yrs
Microsoft Word • 1+ yrs
Microsoft Excel • 1+ yrs
Health and Safety • 1+ yrs

Experience

3-7 years

Certifications

Level 3 qualification in Animal Management or a related subject • Required
Full UK driving licence • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationTamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh8/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh9/10
creativityMedium7/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationHigh8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Drayton Manor Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom

Drayton Manor Zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation and providing the highest standards of animal care, offering memorable and educational experiences for guests.

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Keeper

Tamworth, Staffordshire, United KingdomFull Time