Experienced Keeper

Experienced Keeper

Dartmoor  Zoo  is  seeking  an  Experienced  Animal  Keeper  to  join  our  dedicated  Keeper
Department. This role is ideal for a highly skilled professional looking to contribute to exceptional
welfare  standards  across  a  diverse  Species  Plan,  while  supporting  team  development  and
operational excellence.

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.

−  Permanent contract
−  Salary £27,000 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.

Benefits

Critically Endangered Amur Leopard

About the Role

The Experienced Keeper will:

Lead by example with a positive, professional, and approachable attitude.

•
•  Support, mentor, and guide Keepers and volunteers, contributing to a positive team culture.
•  Deliver high standards of animal husbandry and welfare across multiple taxa.
•  Maintain accurate records relating to health, behaviour, diets, and enclosure checks.
•

Identify welfare concerns and support both short-term interventions and longer-term
improvements to enclosures and husbandry practices.
Lead enrichment planning, animal training initiatives, and safe capture/restraint procedures.

•
•  Assist with veterinary tasks including medication preparation and liaison with veterinary

teams.

•  Contribute to enclosure maintenance, improvements, and welfare-led design projects.
•  Communicate clearly, confidently, and collaboratively within the keeper team and across

departments.

•  Engage visitors through talks, experiences, and collaborative educational activities.
•  Uphold zoo legislation, health & safety requirements, and organisational policies.
•  Engage in ongoing professional development.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

•  Extensive professional experience within a licensed zoo, wildlife park, or similar setting.
•  A relevant animal management, zoology, or equivalent qualification (or strong

professional experience).

•  Proven experience working across a wide range of exotic species and enclosure types.
•  Strong understanding and experience of welfare assessment, enrichment planning,

positive reinforcement training, restraint, and species-specific behaviour.

•  Good leadership skills, with experience of mentoring colleagues and contributing to

team development.

•  Confidence administering veterinary medications and supporting technical tasks.
•  Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across departments.
•  Good competency with IT software, and the ability to create and update procedural

documentation.

•  Physical fitness to work outdoors in all weather, plus flexibility to work weekends/bank

holidays.

•  Eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Attributes:

•  Calm and adaptable under pressure
•  Professional, positive, and approachable
•  Strong problem-solving and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
•  Committed to ongoing development and best practices in animal care

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