Zoo Jobs: Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper – Animal Adventure Department

We have 2 vacancies available for Animal Keepers to work within our Animal Adventure department, which has recently opened some exciting new exhibits. No prior experience is required, although a passion and commitment to animal welfare and conservation is must.

For over 50 years, Longleat has been one of the UK’s most loved attractions. With almost one million visitors every year, we are passionate about providing wondrous and immersive experiences that lead to lifelong memories.

Despite our established reputation, we constantly strive to educate, excite and inspire guests – from hosting the UK’s largest ever hot air balloon gathering, to celebrating our Festival of Light; the first and biggest event of its kind in the UK, with a total of 3,000 spectacular Chinese lanterns transforming the Estate.

What will this role of Animal Keeper entail?

As an Animal Keeper you’ll be working across various sections within the Animal Adventure department, carrying out husbandry routines and caring for animals within the department, which include crocodiles and giant otters, as well as monkeys and ant eaters.

You’ll patrol and carry out observations on the animals, reporting and advising on husbandry and safety matters to senior keepers.

Naturally, the focus of this role will be on our animals, however you’ll also be engaging with people just as much, with regular educational and VIP initiatives, and frequent guest enquiries will arise as you perform your duties. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional standards of both animal welfare and guest engagement.

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

Passion and commitment to animal welfare and conservation
A full UK Driving Licence
Excellent communication skills with a positive, mature and friendly nature
Good team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well under pressure
Honest, reliable and flexible to work extra hours / weekends as required

Although not essential, proven experience with animal keeping / husbandry with relevant animal related qualifications would be highly advantageous.

Please note, whilst Longleat is an equal opportunities employer, the successful applicant will need to be physically fit due to the nature and demands of the role.

What will I receive in return?

As an Animal Keeper you will receive a pay rate that exceeds National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;

29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata)
Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
Life assurance cover and more perks

Contract: Seasonal (fixed term contract) until early January 2020.

Hours of Work: Working hours to vary on a 7-day rota basis – earliest rota start time of 8.30am, until close. (Times vary throughout the season with a latest finish time up to 9.30pm).

Please note, due to the nature of the business, evenings and weekend work will be required, including bank holidays.

Location: Longleat (Warminster, Wiltshire)

To apply for this position, please head over to http://jobs.longleat.co.uk/, where you will be able to select this role and submit your application for consideration.

All applications for this Animal Keeper vacancy are to be submitted online, and strictly no agency calls or agency CV submissions please.

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