Purpose of the role

ZSL is seeking a dedicated Assistant Zookeeper within the birds section of our Animal Department at Whipsnade Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos nestled in the beautiful Chiltern Hills. 

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 role is a full time position offered for a 8 month period, working 37.5 hours per week. As our zoos are open seven days a week, your schedule will follow a rota, which includes weekends and bank holidays. We aim to balance business needs with personal flexibility, so you’ll have advance notice of your shifts to help plan your time. 
 
 Key responsibilities:
 
Husbandry and Enrichment: Providing daily care, feeding, and enrichment for our incredible bird species.
Monitor animal welfare: Maintaining clean, safe, and engaging enclosures to promote the birds’ well-being.
Visitor Engagement and Safety: Assisting in the preparation and execution of our Birds of the World demonstration, captivating and educating visitors. 
Records and Daily Operations Support: Assist with ZIMS data entry and collaborate with animal-keeping staff to ensure accurate records and smooth daily operations. 

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.
  • Reliable with good timekeeping, and a strong work ethic with the ability to demonstrate professionalism and teamwork.
  • Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors, in all weather, and indoors in warm conditions.
  • A full UK driving license.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. 

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. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.   
 
What We Offer?
 
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 
  • Purpose driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.  
  • 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 (increasing with milestone anniversaries). 
  • Access to ZSL’s staff Equality Networks -Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience. 
  • 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 eligibly 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.   

We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application. 

If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at – [email protected] 

What our team say...

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