Zoo Keeper

Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Road
Chessington, SURREY, KT9 2NE
United Kingdom

Zoo Keeper

Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Surrey, KT9 2NE
Hours: This role is full time, fixed term, averaging 40 hours per week, working 5 days out of 7. This will include weekends, bank holidays as required by the business.
Benefits: Competitive annual salary of £20,756.74, discount on our animal VIP experiences and Go Ape course, discounts on our Hotels and a Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world.

With our Theme Park, Zoo, spectacular Hotels & Glamping as well as our Go Ape courses there are plenty of ROARingly exciting career paths available. We're also a part of the Merlin Entertainments family - associated with attractions like SEA LIFE, LEGOLAND Parks, Madame Tussauds and More!

We're currently looking for a Zoo Keeper to join our Zoo team at Britain’s Wildest Adventure!

About the Role

We are currently recruiting for a Zoo Keeper to cover all sections across the zoo as and when support is required. The successful candidate will provide practical day-to-day support on the Presentations, Mammals, Hoofstock and SEALIFE sections and work with a broad range of taxa – including birds, primates, hoofstock, fish, reptiles, carnivores and invertebrates.

In this role you would be expected to ensure all husbandry standards are kept at the highest level - this includes food preparation and delivery, enclosure cleaning, provision of enrichment and enclosure furnishing. Although tasks will be husbandry-focused, the daily routine will also include guest-facing activities such as delivering animal talks, participating in animal demonstrations or hosting VIP experiences - so a passion for great customer service is essential!

You will work closely with the Senior Keepers and Supervisors across the zoo, as well as resort-wide departments, to support the delivery of the Zoo Operation.

What we’re looking for

• Practical experience with a wide range of species is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills – including demonstrable public speaking ability.
• Able to stay focused and in control under pressure.
• Adaptability, flexibility and willingness to swap routines at short notice to meet the needs of changing circumstances.
• A quick learner: ability to pick up new skills rapidly and get to grips with standard processes efficiently.
• Basic computer literacy.
• DMZAA qualification or equivalent.

What’s on offer?

• A competitive annual salary of £20,756.74
• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) pro rota
• Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
• Company bonus
• Private pension scheme
• 40% discount online off LEGO
• 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Plus many more…

Everyone Matters at Merlin

At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters! Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.

#LI-CB2