CAREERS AT CHESTER ZOO
Apprentice Keeper
Where to find us
Job Description
Our Apprentice Keeper’s will play a key role working as part of our professional animal keeping teams, to ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibitory are maintained across the zoo.
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Apprentice Keepers will form part of our animal keeping teams; there are 10 positions across mammals, birds and ectotherms.
Key responsibilities:
• To maintain excellent husbandry, health and welfare for species
• To understand/adhere to risk assessments and safe operating procedures.
• To promote our mission through interactions with our visitors on site.
• To understand all aspects of record keeping/report writing including husbandry, enrichment and diets.
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
• English (grade C/4 or above - Evidence Needed)
• Maths (grade C/4 or above - Evidence Needed)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Presentation skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Time Management
• Willing to learn new skills
• Ability to work under pressure
Other requirements
This is a physical role and the role holder will spend a significant amount of time either outdoors or in temperature controlled environments. The roles will involve a range of manual tasks. No transport or accommodation can be provided by Chester Zoo. If no confirmed GCSE Maths and English added applications will be made unsuccessful regardless of if there is a degree showing, due to entry requirements for Apprenticeship. Any Maths and English qualifications will be asked to provide evidence if shortlisted. We cannot accept predicted Maths and English grades. Achieved qualifications closely related to Keeper and aquarist Level 3 will need to be cross checked for eligibility to ensure new skills and knowledge would be delivered. Please also add detail of any pathways taken within Animal Management qualifications. All animal/zoo related qualifications must be declared, failure to do so could result in your application being withdrawn. If we are interested in taking your application further, you will receive an email from a Derby College email address (apprenticeships@derby-college.ac.uk). Please make sure to check your Inbox as well as your Spam/Junk folders, to avoid missing out on this opportunity. Failure to respond to emails will lead to withdrawal of your application. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early due to the number of applicants so please be sure to apply promptly, previously the vacancy has been closed after 10 days.
About us
We are Chester Zoo and we are mission motivated, passionate people, working together to be the best. We opened in 1931 by founder, George Mottershead who wanted to create the first UK zoo without bars. We are home to over 37,000 animals across our 128 acre site and have over 2 million visitors a year. Our mission is to prevent extinction; it’s a bold statement but we are confident that by working together and with our partners we can make a difference to wildlife here in the UK and the world.
Company benefits
Staff pass to visit the zoo during time off and multiple tickets for friends and family. Discounted gym pass. Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants + major shops. Pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
Applications must be made directly through the government website here
We also have an opportunity to join a webinar in relation to these exciting opportunities. This webinar will provide a clear overview of the apprenticeship, the duration, expectations and inclusion/exclusion criteria for the role. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end. Please do register your interest to this webinar prior to the meeting by following the link here.