Keeper WIRK/WIR/0626

Location

Paignton Zoo

Salary

£10,244.26 – £10,679.50 per annum depending on experience

Application Deadline

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Job Summary

Paignton Zoo, originally opened in 1923 as the Torbay Zoological Gardens, has evolved over the past century into one of the South West’s leading conservation organisations and most popular visitor attractions. Today, it is home to more than 230 animal species. This rich biodiversity and ongoing commitment to wildlife and habitat preservation make Paignton Zoo a vital hub for education, conservation, and inspiration.

Keeper

Permanent

Minimum of 15.5 hours per week (2 days)

£10,244.26 – £10,679.50 per annum depending on experience

Do you live and breathe animal care? Love getting hands-on, working outdoors, and making a real difference?

Join us as a Keeper and be part of something truly special. From caring for incredible species to inspiring visitors, no two days are ever the same. You’ll play a key role in animal welfare, conservation, and creating unforgettable guest experiences—all while working with a passionate, dedicated team.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, get stuck in, and be part of an environment full of energy, purpose, and wildlife… this one’s for you.

The Role

As a Keeper, you’ll be right at the heart of animal care and guest engagement. Your days will be varied, active, and incredibly rewarding. You’ll:

• Deliver high standards of animal care including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment
• Monitor animal health and behaviour, keeping accurate records
• Prepare and present diets to meet nutritional needs
• Maintain clean, safe, and engaging enclosures
• Support veterinary care and report any concerns promptly
• Take part in animal training and enrichment activities
• Deliver talks, feeds, and memorable animal experiences for visitors
• Engage guests with conservation messages and answer questions
• Work closely with your team and support volunteers or trainees
• Assist with daily operations, including weekends, evenings, and occasional lock-ups

You’ll play a vital role in ensuring both animals and visitors have the very best experience.

About You

We’re looking for passionate, knowledgeable, and proactive individuals who thrive in a hands-on environment:

You’ll bring:

• Relevant animal care qualification (DMZAA, Level 3 Keeper Apprenticeship) or a minimum of two years paid keeper experience
• Practical experience in animal husbandry (feeding, cleaning, enrichment, enclosure care)
• Experience observing animals and maintaining accurate records
• Confidence engaging with the public through talks, tours, or experiences
• Strong understanding of animal welfare and husbandry principles
• Ability to work safely and follow procedures
• Excellent teamwork skills and a positive, proactive attitude

You are:

• Passionate about animal welfare and conservation
• Calm, resilient, and able to handle busy or challenging situations
• A confident communicator who can engage all types of visitors
• Highly organised with great attention to detail
• A team player who brings enthusiasm and energy
• Adaptable, reliable, and always ready to learn
• Happy to work weekends, bank holidays, and occasional evenings

What You’ll Help Create:

• Happy, healthy animals with the highest welfare standards
• Engaging, educational moments that inspire visitors
• Safe, well-maintained enclosures and environments
• A knowledgeable, collaborative keeper team
• A positive impact on conservation and education efforts

If you’re ready to make a real difference for animals and visitors alike, we’d love to hear from you!

At Paignton Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That’s why we offer a benefits package that’s packed with perks: enjoy 33 days of paid holiday pro-rata (yes, even Bank Holidays!) and access to top-tier training—from First Aid to driving a tractor. Your family can join the adventure too, with free zoo entry for loved ones, plus sweet discounts on food and retail while you’re on site. We’ll make parking a breeze with free staff spaces and support your wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme. Fancy joining the Firearms team? Opportunities await—pending a few conditions, of course.

We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn't just a policy—it’s part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.

Job Profile

Job Profile document