British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Primate Keeper
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Wingham Wildlife Park
South East
Closing date for applications is: 5th 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
About Us
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 about the prospect of being part of something new, this position might be for you.
Wingham Wildlife Park is a family run wildlife park with big emphasis on animal husbandry, conservation, education and safety for our animals, staff, and visitors. We are looking for a likeminded “team player” who would fit in amongst our animal care team. This role will cover a range of species on our primate section from Callitrichidae, Senegal Bushbabies, Lemurs, Vervet Monkeys, Night Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys, Capuchins, Colobus, Howler Monkeys, Mandrills, Macaques, Gibbons, Chimpanzees, Orangutans 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.
- Have proven experience working in a zoo setting (preferably with similar species)
- 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 pro-active approach to completing tasks beneficial to the sections without always waiting to be asked.
- Have exceptional time keeping skills.
- Show excellent practical animal husbandry skills.
- Have a valid UK driving licence 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 plus 5 complimentary day tickets per year
- 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.
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 PRIMATES 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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