Northumberland Zoo is a major animal attraction and wildlife conservation centre, in the Northeast of England. With the addition of numerous brand-new exhibits in the past few years, our future is looking bright with ambitious plans for expansion, including several new species in the first phase in 2026/2027. We are looking for a like-minded team player to join our team; adopting our Zoo ethos and mission in conservation, education & sustainability to inspire positive change.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Cover Keeper to join our team. The animal department is currently split into 2 teams – The Carnivores Team and The Herbivores Team, with 4 sections within each team. We have a range of species from carnivores and small mammals to hoof stock and native species and also an animal display featuring birds of prey and more. This role will have the opportunity to work on multiple sections, across both teams, dependent on experience. You will work alongside the animal team to ensure the highest possible standards of animal husbandry, including behavioural and environmental enrichment and animal training programmes. You will be responsible for the development of animal exhibits to promote natural behaviour and top-quality presentation, also, educational opportunities for zoo visitors in line with the zoo’s missions of conservation, education and sustainability.

Main Duties & Job Responsibilities

• Day to day husbandry routines for various species including health and welfare monitoring
• Researching and implementing behavioural and environmental enrichment opportunities for various species
• Refurbishing and maintaining exhibits with species specific suitability in mind to promote natural behaviour and ensuring high standards of presentation for zoo visitors
• Strict adherence to risk assessments, bio security and safe working practices.
• Taking ownership for the presentation of the wider zoo site by maintaining high standards of presentation with a positive attitude and professional manner
• Carrying out animal experiences, talks and displays to zoo visitors ensuring the zoos mission messages are being delivered. This may also include zoo events

Skills and Experience

As this role is for a cover keeper it is essential that you can be adaptable and have good species knowledge across varied taxa relevant to the zoo’s collection

• At least 3 years professional zoo work experience working with animals in a zoo environment
• Experience handling birds of prey and/or working with hoof stock would be desirable
• Be qualified in an appropriate captive wild animal husbandry, biological or conservation discipline
• Must have high animal welfare standards with regards to the care and daily husbandry routines
• Experience implementing animal enrichment programmes with behavioural output in mind
• Have great observational skills when working with the animals in the park, understanding animal behaviour and the ability to keep accurate records relating to animal welfare
• Be confident in presenting engaging, educational messages to audiences

General

• Full driver’s license and access to vehicle required due to rural setting of zoo
• Have great team working and communication skills and adaptability to suit the needs of the role
• Be able to work effectively and with minimum supervision within a timely manner
• Have strong interpersonal skills and be confident to interact with the public
• Be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weathers
• Take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills

More details

• 40 hrs per week across 5 days, includes weekends and bank holidays
• 28 days holiday per annum (includes Bank Holidays) increasing by 1 day each year after 12 months employment to a maximum of 33 days
• Enrolment in pension scheme with employer contributions of 3%
• Company sick pay package
• £5 daily food allowance in the zoo café and discount in zoo shop
• Complimentary Zoo admission tickets for family and friends
• Plus more perks for local attractions

Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.

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