Animal Keeper

Keeper

Dartmoor Zoo is seeking a dedicated Animal Keeper to deliver high standards of daily animal care
across our diverse collection. This role is ideal for an experienced keeper who is passionate about
animal  welfare,  committed  to  professional  best  practice,  and  confident  working  within  a
dynamic, collaborative team environment.

Background

Dartmoor Zoo is set in 33 acres of beautiful wooded countryside on the edge of Dartmoor, in a
small  village  called  Sparkwell,  just  20  minutes  from  the  city  of  Plymouth.  Plymouth  itself  has
excellent travel links to the rest of the country and is known as Britain’s Ocean City.

Dartmoor  Zoo  is  on  a  journey!  We  are  currently  redesigning  the  zoo  by  developing  a
comprehensive  new  Master  Plan  and  Collection  Plan  to  completely  overhaul  our  collection,
exhibits and visitor facilities. This will be a long journey with work being completed in several
stages over the next decade. This is an exciting time to join the team!

The  Charity,  Dartmoor  Zoological  Society,  operates  Dartmoor  Zoo.  Our  vision  is  to  protect
threatened  species  and  enable  people  to  help  wildlife  thrive.  We  aim  to  promote  the
conservation, care and breeding of wildlife and endangered species, encouraging and developing
public interest in and awareness of the importance of ensuring the survival of species and the
diversity of life.

Dartmoor Zoological Society is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission for England and
Wales under number 1158422 whose registered office is at Dartmoor Zoological Park, Sparkwell, Plymouth, PL7 5DG.

Benefits

−  Permanent contract
−  Salary £26,000 per annum
−  Full time (37.5 hours per week). Part-time considered.
−  30 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
−  Enhanced sick absence, maternity, paternity and

adoption leave

−  Free parking
−  Discounts in restaurant and shop
−  Free Dartmoor Zoo entrance for immediate family
−  Free entry to BIAZA Zoos
−  Assistance in finding accommodation if you need to

relocate.

Critically Endangered Amur Leopard

Key responsibilities

•  Deliver high‑quality daily animal husbandry, including cleaning, feeding, diet preparation,

observations, and enclosure maintenance.

•  Monitor animal health and behaviour, escalating welfare concerns appropriately.
•  Maintain accurate records relating to health, feeding, enrichment, water quality, and

enclosure checks.

•  Deliver and review species‑appropriate enrichment and contribute new enrichment ideas.
•  Support animal training programmes and assist with handling, restraint, and capture

procedures.

Identify enclosure defects and carry out basic maintenance where authorised.

•  Prepare and administer veterinary treatments under veterinary direction.
•  Maintain hygiene and biosecurity standards in all areas.
•
•  Work fully in line with SOPs, risk assessments, emergency procedures, and UK zoo legislation.
•  Provide day‑to‑day guidance to volunteers an placements, acting as a positive role model.
•  Engage confidently and professionally with visitors and during experiences, answering

questions and representing the Zoo positively.

•  Communicate clearly and collaboratively within the Keeper Team and across all departments.
•  Maintain exemplary standards of cleanliness across all animal areas.
•  Proactively develop skills and knowledge through training and continuous professional

development.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

•  Significant professional experience as an animal keeper within a licensed zoo, wildlife

park, or similar setting.

•  A relevant qualification in animal management, zoology or a closely related discipline,

or demonstrable equivalent professional experience.

•  Experience working across multiple exotic taxa within a complex collection.
•  Strong practical knowledge of husbandry, welfare assessment, and species‑specific

behaviour.

•  Experience identifying welfare issues and implementing effective interventions.
•  Confidence delivering enrichment, training involvement, and assisting in capture

procedures.

•  Ability to administer medications safely and maintain correct records.
•  Good understanding of zoo legislation, licensing, and inspection processes.
•  Demonstrable leadership capability, including mentoring and supporting the

development of trainees or volunteers.

•  Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.
•  Physical fitness to work outdoors in all weather, plus flexibility to work weekends/bank

holidays.

•  Eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Attributes:

•  Calm, decisive, and adaptable, especially under pressure.
•  Organised, observant, and able to prioritise effectively.
•  Professional, discreet, and committed to high standards.

To Apply

−  Visit: www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/job-vacancies
−  Fill in the application form from the website
−  Email completed applications to:

clare.lee@dartmoorzoo.co.uk

−  Deadline: 19th April 2026