Job opportunities

Senior Keeper - Animal Encounters

The Animal department is currently recruiting for an organised, dedicated, reliable, confident team member to join the animal encounters section. This position is offered on a permanent full time basis.

The animal encounters section encompasses a diverse range of species found in the “foot safari” area of Woburn Safari Park; including raptors, psittacines, penguins, small mammals, marine mammals, primates, small carnivores, hoofstock, reptiles and invertebrates.

As a senior keeper you will directly mentor all non-permanent members of staff including seasonals, interns and work experience. The successful candidate will be expected to assist the Deputy Head of Section and supervise in their absence.

The successful applicant will need to be:
•    Able to manage and motivate a large, diverse animal keeping team.
•    A highly motivated, hard working individual who has a good understanding of behavioural welfare and previous experience training and working with a variety of species.
•    Able to take part in public presentations as well as demonstrating exceptional animal husbandry skills, high standards of animal care, and excellent communication skills.

The successful applicant should demonstrate:

•    Supervisory or staff management experience in a similar environment.
•    A passion for animal welfare & conservation; be highly motivated, flexible and committed to Woburn Safari Park’s high standards of husbandry and welfare.
•    Previous practical experience of working with a range of species (previous experience with the species we hold is preferable; however, those candidates’ with comparable experience will be considered).
•    Excellent customer service and communication skills.
•    An excellent understanding of health and safety in a zoological setting.
•    An organised approach to managing animal records (including a working knowledge or able to work towards learning of ZIMS), reporting systems and proposals to improve the section in line with our brand values.

The zoo animal management qualification or equivalent is essential for this position.

A full valid driving licence is essential for this role.