Keeper – Carnivores

Chester Zoo

Temporary (maternity cover) 14 months – Full-time

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 years we have 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 the Carnivore section, on a temporary basis for 14 months to cover a period of maternity leave. For the right candidate, this post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a wide variety of mammal species ranging from Sumatran tiger, Asiatic lion, Giant otter, African painted dogs, as well as two species of bear.

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 carnivore species in a zoo or safari park setting
Knowledge and experience in modern zoo animal husbandry
Outstanding observational skills with excellent attention to detail
Experience of working within strict Safe Working Practices
A full driving licence valid in the UK

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 http://www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

To apply for this position, go to www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/ 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 – Carnivores role.

Closing date for applications is 16 December 2020

We anticipate interviews will take place in January 2021, with an expected start date of March 2021.