Overview

For over 50 years we have been one of the UK’s most loved attractions. With over 700,000 guests in 2020, we are passionate about providing immersive experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

We’re an organisation driven by our core cultural values, which are to engage and inspire, put people first, take accountability, continuously improve and to act with integrity. We believe everyone who works at Longleat can subscribe to these values, and that they truly set us apart as a place to work.

We have a fantastic opportunity to join Longleat Safari Park as a lead keeper within the hoof stock team at a time of some exciting upcoming developments. You will play a key role in the re-development of our giraffe house, where we have a fantastic breeding programme for our Rothschild Giraffe and have historically had over 130 calves. We also have a huge variety of other species within the hoof stock team, including zebras, ostrich, tapirs amongst other upcoming new species.

What will this role entail?

Reporting directly to the Team Manager you will be a first line leader of the hoof stock keeping team, not only supervising the daily care of the animals and promoting excellent levels of guest experience but guiding and supporting all the keepers within the team in terms of their day to day work and development.

Key duties will include:

  • Leading on all aspects of daily husbandry, management of resources, as well as enclosure maintenance and improvement.
  • Monitor and observe the health and security of animals, including behaviour patterns and reporting any problems to the Team Manager.
  • Actively interact with guests, providing assistance and responding to escalated enquires and complaints.
  • Ensure that section policies and procedures and standard operating procedures are adhered to at all times and assist the Team Manager in policy development.
  • Assist Team Managers in maintaining databases for ex situ populations (EEP/ESB) as well as using ZIMS, and working on in situ and ex-situ conservation projects.
  • Assisting with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
  • Ensuring that all animal areas are clean and fit for purpose. Including log and reporting any maintenance issues to the Team Manager.

What will I need to be considered for this vacancy?

  • It is essential you have extensive multiple years experience in an animal collection, with specific vocational and technical skills pertaining to the husbandry and management of the managed species.
  • Proven history in a supervisory role essential
  • Experience of visitor interactions within an animal organization
  • Be flexible with working hours to meet company requirements
  • Have an ability to work under pressure
  • Work quickly and efficiently
  • Driven by the buzz of working in a busy environment
  • A Full UK Clean Driving Licence.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills

What will I receive in return?

As a Lead Keeper you will receive a £20,163, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;

  • 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
  • Complimentary tickets to Longleat
  • Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
  • Company Pension
  • Life assurance cover and more perks.

You’ll be employed on a permanent 40 hour contract with working hours to vary over a 7 day rota basis, including weekends, evening and bank holidays as required.