Zoo Jobs: Animal Keepers / Animal Keeper

Animal Keepers / Animal Keeper - Trainees

Location: RZSS Edinburgh Zoo

The Role

A number of exciting opportunities have arisen for experienced Animal Keepers or Animal Keeper – Trainees to work within the Living Collections team at Edinburgh Zoo, it is highly desirable that the successful candidates have experience of working within a zoo keeping role. This is a physical hands-on role in a busy animal park which will involve bending and lifting, feeding, cleaning, maintaining and presenting the enclosures and general care and welfare of the animals and associated tasks, including record keeping and interacting with our visitors. A working knowledge of ZIMS, SPARKS and other zoo management systems would be desirable.

Who we are looking for

To operate effectively in this role, practical experience in a zoo or animal-related environment is highly desirable and experience of working with a wide range of animal taxon groups is also desirable. You must also have up-to-date basic knowledge and understanding of zoo legislation and best practice, along with a sound basis of practical knowledge and good animal management skills. You must be a team player, have excellent communication skills and be able to demonstrate a quality approach to your work. A full UK driving license is desirable.

Working hours for the roles available are as follows and the posts will involve weekend and occasional evening work:

1 x 37.5 hours per week (Fixed Term until 30 June 2018)

1 x 35 hours (seasonal 12 weeks)

1 x 21 hours (seasonal 20 weeks)

1 x 22.5 hours (Maternity cover until June 2018, however as this is a Maternity cover role it may be extended)

1 x 14 hours weekend (Fixed Term Maternity Cover – 31 December 2018)

1 x 14 hours weekend (Fixed Term Seasonal – 28 September 2018)

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 candidate, this is an opportunity to join a team that aims to be dynamic and innovative, if you have qualified with the DMZAA please mark your application for the post of Qualified Keeper. For someone new to the profession, this is an ideal learning environment, please mark your application for the post of Trainee Keeper. For full information on how to apply, please visit the RZSS vacancy page and follow the instructions.

Closing date: Tuesday 15 May 2018

We are the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland (RSZZ), and for over 100 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity as well as an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction. Through our two sites, RZSS Edinburgh Zoo and RZSS Highland Wildlife Park, we provide unique and memorable experiences and engage with nearly 750,000 visitors per year in the wonders of the natural world, taking care of over 1,000 rare and endangered animals in safe and stimulating surroundings.

Our Mission: Connecting people with nature. Safeguarding species from extinction. Registered Charity No: SC004064