Waddesdon Manor Aviary is one of the UK’s most distinctive bird collections, housed within a Grade II* listed Victorian aviary dating from the 1880s. Originally commissioned by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, the collection continues to celebrate his passion for birds while playing an increasingly important role in modern conservation, education and animal welfare.

As an Aviary Keeper, you will join a small, dedicated team responsible for the daily care and management of a diverse collection of birds. The collection reflects the species and taxa historically associated with Baron Ferdinand’s aviary while also contributing to contemporary conservation programmes, public engagement and scientific knowledge.

Working under the guidance of the Curator of Birds, you will help ensure the highest standards of husbandry, welfare and presentation across the collection. You will also contribute to the continued development of the aviary as both a historic attraction and a progressive zoological collection.

A minimum of 37.5 hours per week (exclusive of breaks), Wednesday to Sunday. You will be required to work occasional shifts outside your normal working pattern to meet operational needs and visitor expectations. This may include evenings, weekends and public holidays. Reasonable notice will be provided wherever possible, and time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given.

What you will do:

Waddesdon Aviary is an active member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and is committed to supporting international ex situ conservation. Several species within the collection are managed under EAZA Ex Situ Programmes (EEPs), contributing to the long-term sustainability of threatened bird populations through carefully coordinated breeding, population management and collaboration with other zoological institutions.

The Aviary also supports wider conservation initiatives through research, education, professional collaboration and the sharing of husbandry expertise. As an Aviary Keeper, you will play an important role in maintaining the high standards required for participation in these programmes and in supporting conservation outcomes both within and beyond the collection.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Preparing and presenting species-appropriate diets.
• Feeding and monitoring the health and behaviour of the bird collection.
• Cleaning and maintaining aviaries and off-show accommodation to the highest standards.
• Maintaining and improving enclosures, furnishings, planting, pools and perching.
• Carrying out bird handling, restraint and transport when required.
• Assisting with bird ringing, identification and routine health procedures.
• Administering medications and supporting veterinary treatments as directed.
• Monitoring breeding activity and providing nesting materials and suitable nest sites.
• Hand-rearing birds where necessary.
• Maintaining accurate animal records using the Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS) and other collection records.
• Reporting enclosure maintenance requirements and assisting with minor repairs.
• Implementing appropriate pest and vermin control measures.
• Undertaking daily welfare assessments and reporting any concerns promptly.
• Delivering engaging public talks, encounters and educational presentations to visitors.
• Supporting conservation breeding recommendations, animal transfers and collection planning.
• Assisting with the movement, introduction and quarantine of birds when required.

 

Standards and Compliance

• The bird collection is maintained under the requirements of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. You will be expected to help ensure that all aspects of husbandry, welfare and record keeping meet or exceed these standards, while contributing to continual improvements across the collection.

Health & Safety

• You will be expected to work safely at all times, following Waddesdon Manor’s Health and Safety policies, safe systems of work and biosecurity procedures. This includes the safe use of equipment, personal protective equipment, manual handling techniques and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disease prevention.

You will be a great fit if:

You are the kind of Aviculturist who enjoys really knowing your birds – not just managing a routine, but understanding behaviour, noticing change, and taking pride in the detail that underpins excellent welfare.

You are confident and experienced working with Passerine, Galliform and Columbiform taxa, including incubation and hand-rearing when required, and you are comfortable taking responsibility for the daily care of a live collection.

You work with calm confidence, whether independently or as part of a small team where everyone relies on each other. You do not wait to be told – you see what needs doing, you take ownership, and you follow things through properly.

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter for this role (used for shortlisting)

To help us select candidates for interview, we will be looking for evidence of the following experience and skills within your application:

• A genuine passion for aviculture, bird welfare and conservation.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• A proactive approach to animal husbandry and enclosure maintenance.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a small, supportive team.
• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with visitors.
• A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, professionalism and safety.

Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.

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