Chester Zoo Hiring for Keeper – Twilight Full Time

Keeper – Twilight

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 90 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.
We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.
We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and despite all the recent challenges thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Twilight Keeper to join our Twilight team.

The Role:

This is a key role working as part of our professional team, to ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibitory are maintained on the Twilight section. This role is a truly unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of mammal species ranging from Aardvark and Red Panda to Giant Anteater, and Naked Mole Rats as well as two Bat species.

As a Keeper in the Twilight section you will:

• Lead by example in maintaining the highest standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibitory.
• Supervise students and interns working alongside Keepers to undertake the daily animal care duties, focusing on husbandry, welfare and exhibitory
• Have the ability to deliver a memorable and informative experiences.
• Have self-motivation to work independently, but also embrace working as part of a large team.
• Show willingness to share knowledge and ideas

Successful candidate will:

• Be an enthusiastic and motivated team player
• Be open-minded to developing and implementing new ideas for improving husbandry and building strong working relationships with other departments to ensure high standards are met
• Experience of working with a variety of small mammal species, ideally gained within a similar zoo environment
• Excellent husbandry knowledge and the highest standards of exhibitory, which may be supported by a relevant zoological qualification
• Outstanding observational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Be able to organise and prioritise tasks in a dynamic environment and have good problem solving skills
• Have a good understanding of risk assessments and working with safe working practices
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Full UK driving license valid in the UK.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software

Hours of work are mainly fixed hours, typically 8am to 5pm, although some evening work may be required from time to time. You will work 40 hours per week, 10 days out of 14 on a rota basis including weekends and bank holidays, with set days off each week.

The salary for this role is £24,632.63 per annum and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

To apply for this position, click ‘Apply Now’ to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Twilight Keeper role.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 1st February 2023.

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.

The Package

• Permanent Opportunity
• £24,632.63 per annum 40 hours per week
• Working hours working mainly fixed hours, typically 8am to 5pm, although some evening work may be required from time to time. You will work 40 hours per week, 10 days out of 14 on a rota basis including weekends and bank holidays, with set days off each week.
• 33 days annual leave per year
• 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