A modern, progressive zoo offering opportunities to work with a great team responsible for one of Europe’s largest and most diverse Carnivore collections.

The Role:

This is a key role working as part of our team, to ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibitory are maintained on the Carnivore section. This role is a truly unique opportunity to work with a variety of Carnivore species ranging from the four species of big cats Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions, northern cheetah and jaguars, two species of bears the Andean bears and the Malayan sun bears and the pack of African painted dogs. We also care for several species of small carnivores including Scottish wildcat, giant otters, fossa, Palawan binturong and bush dogs.

As a Keeper – Carnivores you will:

• Maintaining excellent husbandry, health and welfare of a wide variety of species which have specialised requirements and needs. Training, restraining and capturing animals, assisting veterinary staff with procedures and administering medication with relevant after care.
• Contributing to and ensuring risk assessments and safe operating procedures are adhered to when working with all animals
• Promoting Chester Zoo’s mission through daily interactions with our visitors on site and externally through a variety of media and specialised conferences.
• To keep and update daily records of their teams’ animals, which are then uploaded onto the global online animal records system, ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System).

The ideal candidate will have:

• A HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in the care and management of a variety of carnivore species in a zoo or safari park setting
• Knowledge and experience in modern zoo animal husbandry
• Outstanding observational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Experience of working within strict Safe Working Practices
• A full driving licence valid in the UK
• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous for this role in order to maintain accurate records.
  

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes…

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

The package:

• Fixed term 15 Month contract
• £24,632.63 per annum based on 40 hours per week
• Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.
• 33 days annual leave per annum
• Staff pass so that you can visit the zoo during your time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%
• Excellent training and career progression opportunities

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for the role will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once the successful candidate is found. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.