Keeper - Primates

Chester Zoo

Temporary, 6 months – Full-time

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and, despite all the challenges that 2020 has thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We currently have a vacancy for a Keeper - Primates on a full-time temporary basis, to join a large and busy section. For the right candidate, this post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a variety of primate species.

The Role:

The post will involve the daily care and management of a variety of primate species ranging from Sulawesi Macaques, Lion Tailed Macaques, Spider monkeys and Mandrills, to smaller species such as Lemurs, Marmosets and Tamarins, therefore experience working with these species is required.

Chester Zoo aims to set a benchmark for animal welfare and the successful candidate must be able to deliver an excellent level of animal husbandry, care and welfare for the assigned mammals; ensuring that all enclosures and facilities are maintained to the highest possible standards.

The successful candidate will have:

A HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience

Proven experience in the care and management of a wide variety of primate species, as well as the highest standards of exhibitry

Outstanding observational skills with an excellent attention to detail

Experience implementing environmental enrichment and working within strict Safe Working Practices

Confidence in and around deep water and be able to work at heights

A full driving licence valid in the UK

It would be advantageous:

To be competent in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, in order to maintain accurate records.

To have experience of implementing guest experiences to a very high standard

This is a temporary position for 6 months. Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.

The salary for this position is £21,934.33 per annum, on a 40 hours per week and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at http://www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

To apply for this position, go to www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/, select the role and click ‘Apply Now’ to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Keeper role.