Animal keeper – Permanent (subject to a six month probationary period) Scotland
Job description
Five Sisters Zoo
We currently have an exciting job opportunity for a keeper to join us here at Five Sisters Zoo. This position will give the right candidate the opportunity to work with a range of our amazing animals. The candidate must be able to deliver an excellent level of animal husbandry and welfare for all animals in their care. We currently have seven animal sections at FSZ (Carnivores, Primates, Birds, Education Centre, Farm, Castle Children’s Zoo and Lost Kingdom Reptile House) and the successful candidate will be expected to carry out work on all sections. We pride ourselves on our high standards of animal welfare at FSZ and candidates must be able to maintain this high standard across all animal sections.
The successful candidate will
- Carry out work across all seven animal sections here at FSZ.
- be responsible for the daily husbandry of a wide range of species.
- Create, design, and implement environmental enrichment in a range of different enclosures.
- Engage with visitors to the park.
- Deliver talks to large crowds as and when required.
- carry out work in all weather conditions.
- Be willing to work weekends and evenings when required.
- Liaise with other zoo departments (education, events etc) as and when necessary.
- Record animal behaviour and make sure section notes are up to date for our animal registrar.
- Report to senior keepers and our head keeper.
- Get involved with student placements and zoo research projects where appropriate.
Essential Requirements:
- Fantastic observation skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Must be able to communicate on a one-to-one basis with staff and visitors as well as being comfortable delivering public talks to large crowds.
- Must be physically fit and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Must be comfortable working alone and part of a team.
- Must Possess excellent customer service skills.
- Have a valid UK driving license or good access to public transport.
- Previous zoo experience.
Desirable Requirements
- A Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA)
- Have experience implementing environmental enrichment.
Please Note- Five Sisters Zoo is not easily accessible by public transport as we are not on a bus route. You must be able to arrange your own transport to and from work.
