British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Bird Keeper
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Wingham Wildlife Park
South East
Closing date for applications is: 7th Sep 2026
Contact: Mr Matthew Jay (headkeeper@winghamwildlifepark.co.uk)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: £27,476.80 per annum
We are looking for an ambitious individual to join our animal care team. If you want to be part of one of the UK's fastest-growing zoos and are interested in the prospect of being part of something new, this position might be for you!
Wingham Wildlife Park is a family-run wildlife park with a big emphasis on animal husbandry, conservation, education, and safety for our animals, staff, and visitors. We are looking for a like-minded “team player” who would fit in amongst our animal care team. This role will cover species in our bird section such as Humboldt Penguins, Tawny Frogmouths, Pink Backed Pelicans, Kookaburras, Rainbow Lorikeets, Chilean Flamingos, Vietnam Pheasant, Mountain Peacock Pheasant, Socorro Doves, Orange Headed Thrush, Scarlet Ibis, Emu, Rheas, Hyacinth Macaws, Palm Cockatoos, Parrots, Storks, Waterfowl, and a variety of other species.
The Candidate Will
- Be able to communicate on a one-to-one basis as well as leading public talks to large crowds.
- Preferably have proven experience working in a zoo setting but must have previous bird experience.
- Be able to work as part of a team and on their own.
- Must be self-motivated and willing to expand their knowledge about our animal collection.
- Be able to demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to completing tasks beneficial to the section without always waiting to be asked.
- Have exceptional time-keeping skills.
- Show excellent practical animal husbandry skills.
- Have a valid UK driving license or have good access to transport links.
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The Role Involves
- Day-to-day husbandry of the animals covered by the section, including diet preparation, observations, enrichment, and positive reinforcement training.
- Excellent observational and note-keeping skills when working with the animals at the park.
- Strict adherence to safe working practices.
- Cleaning and maintaining exhibits and other designated areas.
Benefits
- Permanent Contract
- 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- In-house training, plus access to an extensive training budget covering external workshops, conferences, symposia, and online courses
- Free staff parking
- Free entrance to the zoo on your days off
- Uniform
- 30% staff food discount
- 40% staff drinks & snacks discount
- 20% animal experiences discount
- 10% gift shop discount
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This full-time position (40 hours per week) requires people to be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. This position also requires people to be able to work on weekends, during school holidays, and on bank holidays.
This position will start at the rate of £27,476.80 per annum with a performance-based wage review at 1 year.
Apply For This Job
All applications to be addressed for the attention of Mr Matthew Jay to headkeeper@winghamwildlifepark.co.uk along with a covering letter, CV, and a list of all species you have worked with.
For applications to this job, please use reference BIRD in the email title. Any applications through other channels will be disregarded.
You must be eligible to work in the UK.
This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore you should submit your application as soon as possible. All successful candidates will be contacted via email to arrange an interview. Our interviews consist of a practical element as well as a formal interview.
Unfortunately, we are unable to give comment on unsuccessful applications.
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