British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Assistant Keeper
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Dublin Zoo
Dublin, Ireland
Closing date for applications is: 19th Aug 2026
Contact: Human Resources (humanresources@dublinzoo.ie)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: €18.06 per hour
Dublin Zoo holds the prestigious position of being ‘Ireland’s leading Fee-Paying Family Attraction’ welcoming in excess of 1.2 million visitors each year.
Our purpose is to save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature – one person, one family at a time.
We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and diligent Assistant Keeper to work under regular supervision to a structured training schedule as part of a team supporting the keepers to ensure that day to day animal husbandry is carried out effectively and in a timely manner using the agreed husbandry procedures and Zoo general policies and procedures.
The Assistant Keeper is required to be a hands-on member of the animal department Team. They will be assigned with basic duties including with cleaning, supporting general maintenance and husbandry tasks on section, helping with food preparation and diets and participating in any other animal related task which could be assigned by a more senior member of staff.
The successful candidate will be a part of the animal care team within their assigned section, following world’s best practice, general compliance with Health and Safety regulations and consistent performance to overall Zoo standards.
The duties of the post will include but are not limited to:
Animals
- To learn about the animals they are working with; carry out observation of their health and welfare in the section you are allocated to using the agreed procedures.
- To help preparing and distributing the diets of animals according to agreed practice and to observe that animals eating effectively.
- To clean animal areas using the agreed procedures and time frames.
- Report any animal health concerns to a more senior staff member.
- Carry out responsible work practices relevant to animal husbandry and general zoo practices following instructions of more senior team members.
- To carry out any duties that may be assigned and in general to assist the keeping staff as required in any part of the zoo.
- To participate/assist in basic training and veterinary procedures.
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Habitats And Houses
- Assist with keeping areas, houses/habitats, food preparation and public viewing areas at high standard of hygiene, cleanliness and exhibition.
- Visually check facilities’ structure daily, reporting concerns immediately.
- Learn to assist with minor repairs and maintenance.
- Assist in ensuring all animal dept. areas, including staff areas are kept tidy and to a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene where applicable.
Others
- Ensure all institutional policies, procedures and protocols are followed always.
- Willing to be trained on first aid rota and to be on call as part of the first aid duty.
Key Working Relationships
- Work effectively in a team supporting Team leader, graded keepers and other colleagues.
- To build good relations with other staff members, including with senior managers and the Director supporting Dublin Zoo to become best in class/lead in Zoological husbandry.
- To co-operate with other staff at Dublin Zoo particularly with the Registrar and C&S officer, Maintenance staff, Marketing and administration, gate and shop staff.
- Clearly communicates with colleagues to ensure safety.
- To be respectful towards visitors and interact with them in a respectful manner, answering enquiries in a helpful and polite manner.
- Encourages work experience and other students allocated to the section.
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Reporting
- To ensure senior staff on section is kept informed as necessary.
- To participate in section meetings and contribute to the development in the park.
- To report on the animals they work on a daily basis using the daily report system when instructed accordingly.
This is a fixed term contract role.
Requirements
- Holds, or is working towards, an appropriate animal-related qualification (DMZAA or equivalent).
- Has previous experience in animal care, a sound understanding of animal welfare principles, and a responsible, enthusiastic approach to the work.
- Takes clear direction from experienced colleagues and works well as part of a team in a busy environment.
- Has a genuine interest in the zoo's mission and purpose.
- Is flexible with working times and duties, in order to meet animals' needs at all times.
- Committed to delivering excellent customer service to visitors, including providing operational support to other departments as required.
Apply For This Job
All applications must be sent through the Dublin Zoo application page accessible at:
https://talent.sage.hr/jobs/bf9466fa-5267-4ed8-8734-9aad29e97c3b
Applications through other formats such as linkedin or email will not be considered.
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