We have two exciting positions of Keeper and Aquarist Apprentice’s available within our Animal Operations Department at Whipsnade Zoo. The Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship steered by ZSL has been created in collaboration with the Institute for Apprenticeships, BIAZA and over 25 top UK Zoos. These positions are 2-year fixed term contracts, during which time post holders will work across 4 of the 8 different sections gaining experience and knowledge working with a wide variety of different animal species. Post holders will work for a duration of 6 months on each of the 4 sections and will carry out their apprenticeship qualification whilst working across these sections. The Apprentice will typically spend 24 months on-programme working towards the occupational standard, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Working with a range of animal’s species on 4 of the 7 animal sections: Primates, Birds, Deer & Antelope & Domestics, Large Hoofstock, Ectotherms, Elephants and Predators.
- Preparing of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
- Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.
- Assisting with record keeping via a Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), including personal relevant observations of animal behaviour, health, and welfare.
- Assisting senior keepers, and other colleagues, with veterinary, training, and other relevant animal related procedures.
- Supporting positive visitor experiences by good customer service and professional visitor engagement.
- Preparing a portfolio to support the End Point Assessment for the apprenticeship scheme.
- To be committed to and complete all aspects of training related to the job and apprenticeship.
- Being trained by a senior member of the team in positive reinforcement training.
- Being able to work in a large team.
- Attention to detail and the ability to follow strict protocols.
- Good communication skills, teamwork, and experience of dealing with the public are essential.
- This is a physically demanding position, working outside in all weather conditions.
- Full UK driving licence 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. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.
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 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 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
By submitting your application you are agreeing to your CV being screened by our learning provider to check eligibility/criteria for the apprenticeship programme and that you agree to being contacted by the learning provider to discuss your experience.
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.
