Animal Keeper - Seasonal

Longleat is seeking multiple passionate and energetic Animal Keepers to join our Safari team and help us continue our tradition of hiring engaged, productive employees. With a core business of around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing immersive experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

In this unique work environment, you will be surrounded by historic landscapes and listed buildings, and even have the opportunity to visit Koalas during your lunch break. We have also recently added exclusive luxury rural retreats to our offerings, giving guests the chance to enhance their visit with us.

We have an incredible variety of species within the Safari Park including giraffe, rhino, zebras, tigers and of course the famous lions of Longleat. As well as direct involvement in animal husbandry tasks, these roles play a critical part in our daily operation, patrolling a number of our animal areas during the day.

What will this role entail?

Reporting to the Lead Keepers and Team Managers, you’ll be responsible for patrolling and carrying out observations on the animals, reporting and advising on husbandry and safety matters to the Lead Keepers.

Naturally, the focus of this role will be on our animals, however you’ll also be engaging with our guests with regular educational and VIP initiatives, and frequent guest enquiries will arise as you perform your duties. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional standards of both animal welfare and guest engagement.

Key duties will include:

• Carry out animal husbandry routines and environmental enrichment as instructed
• Carry out animal observations and record data as instructed
• Ensure Health and Safety standards and administration is adhered to by following risk assessments and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure understanding of all emergency procedures.
• Engage guests during course of duties in line with culture of exceptional customer service
• Ensure you prepare yourself with knowledge of the park to feedback information to guests when needed.

What will I need to be considered for this vacancy?

You will need a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, good attention to detail and be able to thrive in both team and individual environments.

• A full UK Driving licence
• Experience working with animals is desirable
• An interest and passion for animals is essential with a commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
• You will have excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with guests and colleagues across a variety of levels.
• You must be flexible with working hours to meet company requirements
• An excellent work ethic and ability to work on your own and as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and driven by the buzz of a busy environment.
• Can work quickly and efficiently
• Be physically fit to complete a variety of manual tasks.

What will I receive in return?

As an Animal Keeper you will receive a pay rate of up to £10.60 per hour, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;

• Competitive hourly pay rates:
  • 16-17: £8.50
  • 18-20: £9.50
  • 21-22: £10.35
  • 23+: £10.60
• 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.
• Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees
• Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
• 50% off Annual passes for Friends and Family
• Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
• 20% off VIP Experiences, 10% off Accommodation
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Perks at work
• Range of flexible working schemes
• Great progression opportunities available.
• Gain an internal endorsement for re-hire of future vacancies

You’ll be employed on a fixed term zero hours contract ending 7th January 2024, with working hours to vary over a 7 day rota basis, including weekends, evening and bank holidays as required. Start and finish times varying in accordance with opening times.

At Longleat, we believe in engaging and inspiring our employees, putting people first, taking accountability, continuously improving, and acting with integrity. We invite everyone who works with us to subscribe to these values, as they truly set us apart as a place to work.

If you are interested in this role, please apply online. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if enough suitable applicants are received. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis as suitable applicants are received. Strictly no agency calls or agency CV submissions.

Location: Longleat (Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW)