British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Keeper
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Newquay Zoo
South West
Closing date for applications is: 27th Aug 2026
Contact: Zoe Dixon (peopleteam@newquayzoo.uk)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Part-time
Salary: £10,244.26 – £10,679.50 per annum depending on experience based on 15.5 hours per week or £20,488.52 – £21,359 per annum depending on experience
Since opening its gates in 1969, Newquay Zoo has been inspiring visitors with amazing wildlife experiences and a commitment to conservation. Today, as one of Cornwall's leading visitor attractions, we continue to connect people with nature and are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and be part of our story.
Keeper
Permanent
Minimum of 15.5 hours per week (2 days)
per annum depending on experience
Do you live and breathe animal care? Love getting hands-on, working outdoors, and making a real difference?
We are seeking to appoint two experienced Keepers to join our dedicated Animal Team at Newquay Zoo. These exciting opportunities include one permanent position working 15.5 hours per week ( £10,244.26 – £10,679.50 per annum depending on experience) and one fixed-term maternity cover position working 31 hours per week until 31 March 2027 ( £20,488.52 – £21,359 per annum depending on experience). The successful candidates will play a key role in delivering high standards of animal husbandry, welfare and enrichment, while contributing to the zoo's conservation, education and visitor engagement objectives. We are looking for motivated and knowledgeable individuals with a passion for animal care and a commitment to excellence.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, get stuck in, and be part of an environment full of energy, purpose, and wildlife… this one’s for you.
The Role
As a Keeper, You’ll Be Right At The Heart Of Animal Care And Guest Engagement. Your Days Will Be Varied, Active, And Incredibly Rewarding. You’ll
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- Deliver high standards of animal care including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment
- Monitor animal health and behaviour, keeping accurate records
- Prepare and present diets to meet nutritional needs
- Maintain clean, safe, and engaging enclosures
- Support veterinary care and report any concerns promptly
- Take part in animal training and enrichment activities
- Deliver talks, feeds, and memorable animal experiences for visitors
- Engage guests with conservation messages and answer questions
- Work closely with your team and support volunteers or trainees
- Assist with daily operations, including weekends, evenings, and occasional lock-ups
You’ll play a vital role in ensuring both animals and visitors have the very best experience.
About You
We’re looking for passionate, knowledgeable, and proactive individuals who thrive in a hands-on environment:
You’ll Bring
- Relevant animal care qualification (DMZAA, Level 3 Keeper Apprenticeship) or a minimum of two years paid keeper experience
- Experience of working with a variety of Taxa including mammals and birds
- Practical experience in animal husbandry (feeding, cleaning, enrichment, enclosure care)
- Experience observing animals and maintaining accurate records
- Confidence engaging with the public through talks, tours, or experiences
- Strong understanding of animal welfare and husbandry principles
- Ability to work safely and follow procedures
- Excellent teamwork skills and a positive, proactive attitude
You Are
- Passionate about animal welfare and conservation
- Calm, resilient, and able to handle busy or challenging situations
- A confident communicator who can engage all types of visitors
- Highly organised with great attention to detail
- A team player who brings enthusiasm and energy
- Adaptable, reliable, and always ready to learn
- Happy to work weekends, bank holidays, and occasional evenings
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What You’ll Help Create
- Happy, healthy animals with the highest welfare standards
- Engaging, educational moments that inspire visitors
- Safe, well-maintained enclosures and environments
- A knowledgeable, collaborative keeper team
- A positive impact on conservation and education efforts
If you’re ready to make a real difference for animals and visitors alike, we’d love to hear from you!
Benefits
At Newquay Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That’s why we offer a benefits package that’s packed with perks: enjoy 33 days of paid holiday pro-rata (yes, even Bank Holidays!) and access to top-tier training—from First Aid to driving a tractor. Your family can join the adventure too, with free zoo entry for loved ones, plus sweet discounts on food and retail while you’re on site. We’ll make parking a breeze with free staff spaces and support your wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme. Fancy joining the Firearms team? Opportunities await—pending a few conditions, of course.
Equality and Inclusion
We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn't just a policy—it’s part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.
Apply For This Job
To apply please visit our website's vacancies page at www.newquayzoo.uk/vacancies
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