Zoo Keeper (Cover)
Location
Chessington, Surrey, United Kingdom
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
3-5 years
Compensation
£27K - £27K per year
Posted
1h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
As a Cover Zookeeper at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, you will support various zoo sections, primarily focusing on bird husbandry, including food preparation, enclosure cleaning, and enrichment. The role also involves guest-facing activities like animal talks and VIP experiences, requiring excellent customer service and communication skills. You will contribute to conservation, education, and research efforts while ensuring health and safety standards.
Ready to step into a wild world of conservation, care and unforgettable animal moments as a Zookeeper at Chessington World of Adventures Resort?
At Chessington, our adventurers don’t just visit a zoo, they enter a living, breathing environment where every habitat is designed to inspire, educate and protect. As a Cover Keeper you’ll provide support across all sections of the zoo as and when required. As the role will primarily be based within our bird’s section, a particular interest in birds and aviculture would be highly desirable.
In this role you would be expected to ensure all husbandry standards are kept at the highest level - this includes food preparation and delivery, enclosure cleaning, provision of enrichment and enclosure furnishing. Although tasks will be husbandry-focused, the daily routine will also include guest-facing activities such as delivering animal talks, participating in animal demonstrations or hosting VIP experiences - so a passion for great customer service is essential!
You will work closely with the Senior Keepers and Supervisors across the zoo, as well as resort-wide departments, to support the delivery of the Zoo Operation.
Since we’re big on conservation, education and research, you’ll have a big part to play in that too. You will also be keen to support all areas within our zoo, which will in turn benefit your own personal development. You will ensure the health and safety of yourself, colleagues and our guests as well as develop a personal training programme in conjunction with your Head of Section.
This is a full-time role, working a flexible pattern across 5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays.
Qualifications & Experience
Practical experience with a wide range of species is preferred
Excellent communication skills – including demonstrable public speaking ability
Able to stay focused and in control under pressure
Excellent time management is essential as are good organisation skills
Adaptability, flexibility and willingness to swap routines at short notice to meet the needs of changing circumstances
A quick learner: ability to pick up new skills rapidly and get to grips with standard processes efficiently
Basic computer literacy
DMZAA qualification or equivalent
Benefits
25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants
40% off LEGO online
Merlin Magic Pass - giving you free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year
Enjoy the Ride Pass – giving you and 5 others a Merlin Annual Pass (Gold Edition)
X2 volunteer days a year
Discounted rates at Merlin hotels all over the world
Employee pricing up to 55% off cinema tickets
Updated 1h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
3-5 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
£27K - £27K per year
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Team size
Growing team
Location
Chessington, Surrey, United Kingdom
Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers a living, breathing environment where every habitat is designed to inspire, educate, and protect. As part of Merlin Entertainments, the company strives to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and has equal opportunities.
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Zoo Keeper (Cover)
Chessington, Surrey, United Kingdom • Full Time