A modern, progressive zoo offering opportunities to work as a Keeper on one of our large and varied bird sections to assist with the daily care and management of species including Psittaciformes, Sphenisciformes, Ratites, Passerines, Galliformes and Columbiformes.

The Role:
The post will involve the daily care and husbandry of a wide range of bird species including: Parrots, Penguins, Passerines, Hornbills and Pheasants. 
Chester Zoo aims to set a benchmark for animal welfare and the successful candidate must be able to deliver an excellent level of animal husbandry for the birds in their care; ensuring that all enclosures and facilities are maintained to the highest possible standards.  
We are looking for a dedicated, hard-working individual with excellent avicultural knowledge and a proven track-record of practical experience of bird husbandry in a zoological setting. Proven experience in the care and exhibition of birds in a zoological or bird collection is essential.  

The ideal candidate will have:

• An HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in the care and exhibition of birds in a zoological or bird collection
• Excellent avicultural knowledge and experience of bird husbandry, diet and reproduction techniques
• Have a strong work ethic
• Be an enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated team player
• Enthusiasm for and the understanding of modern zoos and the conservation challenges zoos face
• Outstanding observational skills, with a high attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous for this role in order to maintain accurate records.  A full driving licence valid in the UK is essential.
• A full clean UK driving licence is essential.

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes… 

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.  

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.