Keeper – Hoofstock

Chester Zoo

Temporary (maternity cover) 10 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 an exciting opportunity for a Keeper to join us on a temporary basis to cover a period of maternity leave, based on the Giraffe section. For the right candidate, this post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a variety of hoofstock species.

The Role:

The post will involve the daily care and management of a variety of hoofstock species and proven experience of working with large mammals 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 variety of hoofstock, which should include large mammal species in a zoo or safari park setting, as well as the highest standards of exhibitry
Outstanding observational skills with excellent attention to detail
Experience of implementing environmental enrichment
Experience of working within strict Safe Working Practices

Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous for this role in order to maintain accurate records.

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 and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

To apply for this position, go to www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/, select the relevant vacancy 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.

Closing date for applications is 11 October 2020

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for the role will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once the successful candidate is found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as quickly as possible.