Job reference:001503

Salary:£26,500 per annum

Closing date:22/10/2025

Department:Giraffes

Location:Chester

Employment type:Permanent

Hours Per Week:40

Job Description

Keeper – Giraffes

The Role

This is a key role working as part of our professional team based on the Giraffe Section. For the right candidate, this post offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a variety of hoof stock species including, but not limited to; Nubian giraffe, Warthog, Zebra, Babirusa and Okapi.
Following the opening of Heart of Africa in spring 2025, the successful applicant will support the team and play an integral part of the new mixed species and reserve exhibit.

As a Keeper on the Giraffe Team, you will:

• Be responsible for maintaining excellent husbandry, health and welfare of a wide variety of hoof stock species.
• Be responsible for ensuring habitats and facilities are maintained to the highest possible standard.
• Have self-motivation to work independently, but also embrace working as part of a large, diverse, highly motivated team.
• Assist with the training and handling of animals, assisting veterinary staff with procedures and administering medication with relevant after care.
• Have the ability to deliver memorable and informative guest experiences.

The Package

• Permanent full-time position.
• 40hrs per week, worked on a rota basis including weekends and bank holidays.
• Salary £26,500 per annum
• 33 days annual leave per year (pro rata)
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends.
• Access to healthcare plan.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks.
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%.
• Excellent training and career progression opportunities.

Our Requirements

• A HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in the care and management of a variety of hoof stock species in a zoo or safari park setting, as well as the highest standards of enclosure management.
• Outstanding observational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Flexibility to accommodate different shift patterns for at least 6 months of the year.
• Experience of working within strict Safe Working Practices.
• Driving licence.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Experience working with mixed species exhibits.
• Aptitude to deliver comprehensive and informative Giraffe Experiences.
• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous for this role to maintain accurate records.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 22nd October 2025

Please be aware we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We would recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you complete the application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.

More About Us

We are not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 30,000 incredible animals. We are not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We are a major wildlife charity that is committed to the recovery of endangered species globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo, and we prevent extinction.