Zoo Jobs: Trainee Animal Keeper

Trainee Animal Keeper

Based in the heart of England, Twycross Zoo (TZ) is an award-winning conservation charity and rapidly growing visitor attraction. We’re committed to supporting global welfare and conservation efforts in the captive breeding of endangered species whilst supporting projects from many different countries around the world, including Ape Action Africa, Lola Ya Bonobo and the FFI Cao Vit Gibbon Project.

In 2014, we launched our 20-year, £55million Masterplan. Since this time, new habitats which have opened to the public include Giraffe Savannah and Gibbon Forest. Recently, we’ve opened a new £3.5 million world-class chimpanzee habitat, Chimpanzee Eden, and are looking forward to building on this continued growth and success. As part of our Masterplan development programme, other investments have also included new habitats and renovations such as Lorikeet Landing, a Lemur walk-through and Butterfly Forest, all of which offer our visitors an immersive and inspiring experience with the animals.

At TZ you’ll be part of an evolving and progressive organisation, with staff engagement at its very core. We offer a diverse range of roles and are committed to the fundamental approach of equal opportunities in employment. Our team strives to educate and inspire everyone to care about, and therefore contribute to saving, the other species with which we share our planet.

With our dedicated and enthusiastic team of colleagues at the heart of everything we do, we aim to become a recognised “Centre of Excellence” that continues to make a significant contribution to the welfare and conservation of animals, especially primates, and remain at the heart of conservation.

What will this role of Trainee Animal Keeper entail?

As a Trainee Animal Keeper, you’ll work under regular supervision following a structured training schedule, caring for the animals in the Birds and Explorer sections of Twycross Zoo. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that animal keeping is carried out to required standards, with duties to include but not be limited to;

Preparing and distributing food and water to animals, in quantities and manner as guided by Senior Keepers
Learning about the animals and reporting any animal health concerns to the Senior Keepers
Assisting with maintaining enclosures, food preparation and public viewing areas to a high standard of hygiene, cleanliness and exhibition
Answering enquiries from the public in a helpful and polite manner

What will I need to be considered for this Trainee Animal Keeper vacancy?

Some experience caring for domestics, birds, inverts and reptiles
Achieved or willing to work towards an appropriate animal related qualification
Ability to demonstrate a responsible and enthusiastic approach to the work
A passion for the Zoo’s work and purpose
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Willing to be trained as a first aider and to be on call as part of the Zoo's first aid duty rota
A flexible approach to duties and working hours

What will I receive in return?

As a Trainee Animal Keeper you’ll receive a salary of £18,095 (pro rata), along with fantastic additional benefits including 31 days holiday per annum inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata), along with the benefit of a staff membership card, giving you free entry to the Zoo on your days off and discounts in our retail and food outlets. Free onsite parking.

Contract: Fixed Term for 9 months, working 5 days out of 7 between the hours of 8am to 5pm during the winter months and 8am to 6pm during the summer.

Location: Atherstone, Warwickshire (on the A444, which is easily accessed via the A5 and the M42 Junction 11).

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