Zoo Jobs: Animal Keeper / Animal Keeper

Animal Keeper / Animal Keeper - Trainee

Location: RZSS Highland Wildlife Park

Salary: £15,918 - £18,991 depending on qualifications and experience

The charity that owns both RZSS Edinburgh Zoo and RZSS Highland Wildlife Park – is looking for a committed, compassionate and conservation-minded individual to join our animal management team.

RZSS aims to connect people with nature and safeguard species from extinction, a mission that sees us work both here in Scotland and in over 20 countries around the world. From inspiring our visitors about wildlife in our parks to field conservation projects and breeding threatened species for reintroduction, RZSS is making a huge difference and we need your help to continue to grow.

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Animal Keeper, initially on an 18 month contract to work within the Living Collections team at the Highland Wildlife Park. Based in the Cairngorm National Park, our 200-acre site is home to a collection that specialises in Scottish and other cold weather adapted species from around the world. This position will be on the ungulate section, although the position may not always be restricted to this group of animals. Just for clarity, the position will not include working with the polar bears.

You will assist with the feeding, cleaning, decorating and maintaining the enclosures and general care and welfare of the animals and associated tasks. As you would imagine, this is a very physical hands-on role in a busy animal park which will involve bending and lifting, and keeping accurate records relating to animal welfare.

Who we are looking for

It is expected that you will have been awarded the DMZAA or an equivalent qualification. However, due consideration will be given to the individual’s own practical animal experience, comprehension of the role of modern zoological collections and academic record. If the successful candidate is not suitably qualified, we offer full sponsorship through the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) should the position be converted to a permanent post in the future.

The successful candidate will possess good communication skills and ability to demonstrate a quality approach to work, and a full UK driving license is essential.

This is an 18 month Fixed Term contract where the working hours are 37.5 hours per week (annualized figure) and the post involves weekend and occasional evening work. If required, practical advice will be provided to help find the successful candidate suitable accommodation.

Our offer

As a Charity first and foremost, we work hard to make sure our benefits package is competitive and attractive. As well as the fundamental benefits like salary and pension, we offer other rewards that can help you financially, can make work a bit easier and make life outside of work a lot more fun!

Apply details

For an experienced and qualified candidate, this is an opportunity to join a team that aims to be dynamic and innovative. For someone new to the profession, this is an ideal learning environment. For full information on how to apply, please visit the RZSS vacancy page and follow the instructions.

Closing date: Tuesday 15th May 2018