Permanent – 40 hours per week

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 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 keep the zoo going, from feeding the animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our 1.9 million visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and we 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 vacancy for a Lower Vertebrates & Invertebrates Keeper to join our busy and diverse section on a permanent basis. We are looking for someone with knowledge regarding husbandry on Reptiles and Amphibians. 

For the right candidate, this post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a variety of amphibian and reptile species including key conservation and research species programmes as Bermuda skinks, Komodo dragons, Mountain chicken frogs, Montseny brook newts, Achoques to name a few.

The successful candidate will assist in all aspects of animal welfare, hygiene and life support. They will ensure that all exhibits are of an excellent standard for both animals and visitors alike, and provide outstanding customer care. Direct participation in the species conservation and research programmes ex and/or in situ will be also part of the daily duties.

The successful candidate will have:

• A HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience
• Proven experience of working in a Zoo or Aquarium setting with relevant Lower Vertebrate or Invertebrate species

• Outstanding observational skills, attention to detail and be committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of animal health and welfare are met
• A thorough understanding of the contribution that ex situ populations can make to education, science and conservation 
• Excellent exhibit theming skills
• Strong teamwork abilities adapted to work in group and independently
• Good competence in internal and external communications 

Ideally, the successful candidate will also have:

• Experience of working in field conservation and conducting research projects
• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, in order to maintain accurate records
• Experience in conducting and publishing scientific research

Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.

The salary for this position is £21,890.55 per annum (this includes our 2020 pay award which is effective from 1st January 2020) based on a 40 hours and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at https://www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/  

To apply for this position, please attach your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you should be considered for our Keeper role to https://www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/

Closing date for applications is Monday 2nd December 2019.