Purpose of the role
As an Assistant Keeper, you’ll play a vital role in delivering exceptional care and ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare within our Bird Section, specifically focusing on the Flying Bird Area. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys working closely with animals, and is eager to engage with visitors to inspire a love for wildlife. You will be supported and guided by the Section Team Leader and other senior members of the animal department staff within the section. This is an exciting chance to get up close and work hands-on with our extraordinary bird species!
This position is offered as an 8-month fixed-term contract, working 37.5 hours per week.
Key responsibilities:
* Providing daily care, feeding, and enrichment for our incredible bird species.
* Maintaining clean, safe, and engaging enclosures to promote the birds’ well-being.
* Assisting in the preparation and execution of our Birds of the World demonstration, captivating and educating visitors.
* Following best practice protocols and procedures under the day-to-day guidance of the Section Team Leader or other key senior animal department staff.
About You
* Some practical experience working with flying birds.
* A basic understanding of training techniques for raptors and exotic birds.
* An interest in modern avian training practices and managing diets for trained birds.
* A keen interest in learning husbandry techniques specific to display birds.
* An understanding or willingness to learn about the conservation, research, and educational role of ex situ populations.
* A proactive approach to completing tasks that benefit the section/department without always waiting for direction.
* Reliable with good timekeeping, and a strong work ethic with the ability to demonstrate professionalism and teamwork.
* A full, valid driving license is required.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.
We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination.
About Us
We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this.
What do we offer?
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:
* Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.
* Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
* Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
* Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays.
* Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
* Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
* Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
* Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
* Season ticket loan - we offer an interest-free loan for eligible London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
* Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.
#J-18808-Ljbffr