British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Animal Keeper - Large Mammals and Hoofstock (Maternity Cover)
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Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
Maternity Cover Animal Keeper – Large Mammals and Hoofstock Scotland, near Stirling
Closing date for applications: 25th July 2026
Contact: Emily Boyd (recruitment@blairdrummond.com) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract: Full-time | Fixed-term maternity cover Salary: £26,785 per annum
Location
Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, FK9 4UR https://ec1c5a08112106.uk.deputy.com/jobs#/3FnuVIPoaZEM0PHIF38KGCMoeXw
Benefits
- Generous Employer Contribution Company Pension
- Life Insurance
- Staff Family Passes
- Annual Staff ‘Behind the Scenes Experience Voucher’
- 24hr Employee Assistance Programme
- 20% Staff Discount in Park
- Free parking
- Uniform provided
- Support with relocation (if required)
- 40 hours per week, operating a 10-day roster (10 in, 14 out)
About the Company
Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park opened in 1970 and remains one of Britain’s most popular visitor attractions in Scotland. Brittenbergh is a conservation, education, and community-focused park, with initiatives like “Link to the Wild”—a successful fundraising programme for wildlife conservation.
We are seeking an experienced, confident, and proactive animal keeper to join our Large Mammals and Hoofstock team on a temporary, fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave.
The Role
As Maternity Cover Animal Keeper – Large Mammals and Hoofstock, your primary responsibility will be managing and ensuring the wellbeing of species including:
- Southern White Rhinos
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Ostriches
- A diverse range of ungulate species on site
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Key duties (not limited to):
- Ensuring an outstanding standard of animal welfare, including health monitoring and wellbeing observations.
- Carrying out day-to-day animal husbandry tasks: enclosure maintenance, cleaning, food preparation, distribution and storage, and feed purchasing.
- Maintaining safe, clean, and well-organised living spaces for animals and the staff working area.
- Administering medication on vet’s instruction.
- Keeping detailed records on animal welfare, health, and behaviour.
- Monitoring diets and adjusting where necessary across life stages.
- Problem-solving any behavioural or health anomalies through teamwork.
- Positive reinforcement training, including healthcare-related procedures.
- Aesthetic, hygienic "mucking-out" and upkeep of animal enclosures.
- Contributing to departmental enrichment programmes.
- Promoting a positive, supportive team culture.
Finally, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of staff, visitors, and animals is (essential), adhering to health and safety protocols.
Applicant Requirements
Essential Qualifications
The ideal candidate must:
- Have minimum 2 years’ experience in an animal care setting, ideally comparable to a zoo or large safari environment.
- Hold a qualification in animal care, conservation, or a related discipline, preferably at HND level or higher.
- Demonstrate experience in species-appropriate environments and enrichment, particularly for large mammals.
- Show proven experience with operant conditioning and training programmes.
- Be a physically fit and capable individual, willing for groundwork and manual labour.
- Have exceptional observational skills to identify subtle changes in animal health or behaviour.
- Be self-motivated, proactive yet team-ready, working autonomously or collaboratively.
- Core ability to follow strict safety protocols, including high-visibility duties
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- Hold a full, valid UK driving license.
Desired Skills
While not mandatory, experience or knowledge would make you an even stronger candidate:
- Former experience specifically with large mammals and ungulates.
- Relevant certifications in Animal Management. (e.g., DMZAA).
- Experience dealing with stereotypic behaviours (reducing problematic animal actions).
- Chainsaw or single-handed axe licence would be beneficial.
- Competence in operating heavy plant equipment and maintenance tasks.
Working Conditions
- All duties will be performed in outdoor conditions with all weather preparedness.
- Weekend, bank holiday, and some early-morning/evening shifts required.
- Flexibility in hours is non-negotiable, including occasional nights during special events
- Working conditions require physical stamina, reservoir tolerance.
Selection Process
- Applications open now, screened on a rolling basis until 25 July 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited to:
- Virtual/hybrid interview (tentatively in July 2026)
- Detailed on-site trial day.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a dedicated, animal-loving team committed to conservation and community empowerment. Enjoy a valued salary with comprehensive benefits loyal to rewarding team issues! We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
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