Overview

East Midland Zoological Society has been running Twycross Zoo for almost 60 years in the heart of England in Atherstone. We are an award-winning conservation and science-led zoo which is rapidly growing, and pre-Covid, were welcoming over 600,000 people every year to our 100-acre rural site.

We are an ambitious organisation keen to drive the conservation and scientific aspects of the zoo to new heights as well as optimising on commercial advantages. We are the only zoo in the UK to house all 4 great apes – Gorilla, Orangutan, Bonobo and Chimpanzee – and we care for some of the most endangered animals to the highest welfare standards, including an extensive primate collection plus tiger, leopard, giraffe, rhino, penguin, flamingo and giant tortoise represented.

The Role – Animal Keeper (Mammals)

As an Animal Keeper, you’ll play a key role in caring for the animals within our mammals section, which includes the large and small hoofstock, carnivores and small mammals, (for example: Giraffe, Rhino, Big Cats, Meerkats, Bush dogs etc.) ensuring that animal keeping is carried out to the Zoo’s required standards.

Your duties will include, although will not be limited to:

  • Preparing and distributing food and water to animals
  • Assisting with the capture and restraint of animals when required
  • Learning about the animals and reporting any animal health concerns to the Section Head
  • Assisting with maintaining enclosures, food preparation and public viewing areas to a high standard of hygiene, cleanliness, and exhibition
  • Engaging with visitors and answering enquiries from the public in a helpful and polite manner
  • Motivating and encouraging colleagues, and assisting with the development of Trainee Keepers and providing guidance to work experience students and apprentices

Our Requirements – Animal Keeper (Mammals)

  • At least 3 years’ experience of animal keeping, along with an appropriate animal related qualification (or willing to work towards)
  • Proven experience working in protected contact with category 1 animals
  • Enthusiastic, high performing and motivated with a proven track record in zoo animal management
  • Ability to work effectively in a team and without supervision, with a flexible approach to duties and working hours
  • A passion for the Zoo’s work and purpose

The Package

Staff engagement is at the very core of what we do. We are committed to the fundamental approach of equal opportunities in employment. As an Animal Keeper, you’ll benefit from a salary of £20,115, along with 31 days annual leave, a staff membership card giving you free entry to the Zoo on your days off and discounts in our retail and food outlets, and free onsite parking.

You’ll be employed on permanent contract, working 43 hours per week on a set 3-week rota. You’ll work 5 days out of 7 between the hours of 8am to 6pm during the summer and 8am to 5pm during the winter months.

More about Twycross Zoo:

Over the last 8 years we have opened a new gibbon island complex, a multi-million-pound chimpanzee area, built a new tiger habitat and a new rhino area and welcomed our largest visitor numbers ever in 2019. We launched our Tz2030Vision in late 2019 which sets out the developments for the next 10 years including a National Science and Conservation Centre.

Covid has hit us hard but with great teamwork and restructuring only put development plans on hold for a year so we are emerging with a renewed energy to restart and continue our growth and success.

You’ll be part of an evolving and progressive organisation at Twycross Zoo East Midland Zoological Society. We can promise a challenging and supportive workplace where your expertise is valued, and change is a constant! Our organisation strives to educate and inspire everyone to care about, and therefore help save, the other species with which we share our planet.

We are based in Atherstone, Warwickshire, on the A444 which is easily accessed via the A5 and the M42 Junction 11.

If you would like to join our team, and you have the experience required to fulfil this role, we would love to hear from you.

All applications for this Animal Keeper (Mammals) vacancy are to be submitted online, and strictly no agency calls or agency CV submissions.