Animal Keeper (Full-time)

Animal Keeper

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Position: Animal Keeper (Full-time / Permanent)

Salary:  £25,396.80 per annum

About Us

Founded in 1951, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is a well-established and expanding family run business and one of two conservation-based zoos within our company. 

We strive for the highest standards in animal husbandry, conservation and education, whilst also being long-standing members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (BIAZA).

Our mission is to promote and achieve the conservation of animals and their habitats through engagement and interaction with our visitors, particularly children.

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is a small, friendly, dynamic zoo with a wide range of exotic and domestic species for its size. Species diversity is the key to any keeper position here and a passion to work with smaller domestic and exotic animals, many who are at risk of extinction and part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme.

Overview of Role

We are looking for a candidate with a positive, fresh outlook and someone that can bring enthusiasm, new ideas and progressive working practices to the position.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain the highest and current standards of animal welfare and husbandry.  Completing daily checks and records of animals within our care. This position welcomes new ideas, which can be discussed with the Zoo Manager and the Curator of Animals.

Working hours are 40hrs per week on a roster including weekends and Bank Holidays.  A flexible attitude to working hours is required.

The role is physically demanding, and the candidate should enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions.

The candidate will be working with a variety of animals within a zoo environment. A working experience with small primates including cebids and callitrichids is preferred, as is good working knowledge with a wide range of taxa, and an ever-evolving understanding of the animals we care for at the zoo.

Good communication skills and an ability to connect with our young visitors is an important part of this job.

Main Duties

Reporting directly to the Zoo Manager and Senior Animal Keeper:

• Assisting with the cleaning of all areas within the zoo.

• Assisting with enclosure/paddock servicing, maintenance and refurbishment.

• A good working knowledge of current zoo diets for a range of species, carrying out the correct feeding protocols and preparation of approved diets, nutrition and enrichment.

• Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are always adhered to.

• Assisting where appropriate with the movement and/or training of animals etc. as directed by senior staff.

•You will be expected to carry out educational keeper experiences and private tours.

• Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors.

• Reporting defects and repairs required to the Zoo Manager or more senior staff.

• Assisting in various projects related to animal management as directed by senior animal management staff.

•CPD/training in relation to keeper husbandry, best practice and all aspects of zoo welfare and licensing to implement the standards required will be required.

•Battersea has a small and cohesive team of keepers, ground maintenance, gardening, cleaning and site management are all part of the position.

Candidate Specification

Paid employment within a zoological related position required.

We are particularly interested in candidates with a special interest in reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

• Proven practical experience of animal management with a range of domestic and exotic species.

• Broad taxonomic knowledge of a range of species managed within zoological collections. Advantages would be experience working with small carnivores, rodents, primates, herptiles and domestic stock, in line with the latest husbandry techniques and research.

• Willingness to work on and learn about evolving husbandry management within zoological collections to include positive re-enforcement training for behavioural management and varied methods of enrichment for a range of species.

• Knowledge of techniques used to handle specific animals e.g.  catch ups for veterinary procedures.

• Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section/department without waiting to be asked.

•Recognised qualifications will be taken into consideration, but personal drive, passion for the job, initiative, common sense, and a sense of humour will also be important.

•Attention to detail and a tidy/organised outlook on the working environment is essential - in all areas of the zoo including public areas.

•At the interview stage please be prepared to provide a portfolio of projects undertaken at your current place or previous place of employment.

•A good working knowledge of ZIMS would be an advantage.

Please note:

•              Accommodation is not provided on site.

•              London public transport is a viable option.

•              No telephone or virtual interviews, interviews will be held at the zoo.

Candidates selected for interview will be expected to attend a combined interview and trial day at the zoo. More details will be provided following a successful application.