Work With Us

Available Positions

Animal Keeper

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project is looking to take on an Animal Keeper. They will need to be enthusiastic and a self-motivated individual, ensuring the day-to-day operations of the Zoo are carried out to a high standard.

The duties will be to assist the Animal Management team in the running of the zoo to ensure high standards of husbandry and welfare. You will be a good team worker, as well as showing initiative and having a positive outlook whilst being responsible for all animals under your care. You will also play an integral role in the training and enrichment of all animals, as well as maintenance of their enclosures.

You should have a minimum of 2 years’ experience within a recognised zoo environment and hold a full U.K. driving licence and have access to a vehicle due to our location.
A relevant qualification would be ideal but is not essential, experience with the use of ZIMs would be advantageous.

You will ideally be able to show independence and self-reliance. You will be required to work Bank Holidays and weekends on a rota basis. Working 5 days per week, you will receive a salary of £25,600 per annum, as well as staff discounts and other benefits.

The main duties will involve:

• Observing the behaviour, health and security of animals and reporting any problems
• Ensuring the correct diets are prepared and distributed
• Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
• Ensuring that safety and emergency procedures are followed at all times
• Maintaining courteous and helpful relations with visitors
• Assisting with the movement and transport of animals
• Maintaining good and detailed communication at all levels
• Contributing to the enrichment of the species on the section
• Representing the parks at seminars and conferences.
• Supervision and training of volunteers, and work experience students

 The ideal candidate will have experience working within a zoological collection, an awareness of current conservation issues and a genuine passion for animal welfare. They must possess excellent all-round animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of the species around the park. A relevant animal management qualification or similar would be advantageous. You must hold a full valid driving licence.

A practical and proactive approach is required, coupled with good organisation, good written and verbal communication skills, as well as an overall understanding of the role of the modern animal collection is essential. This is a physically demanding job and duties will include heavy lifting, as well as enclosure maintenance and browse cutting.

 The successful candidate will have a genuinely flexible approach to working hours. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our location.

To register your interest, please send an email with a current CV and cover letter to Connor Gordon, Head Keeper, cg@thefennbell.com.

Volunteering and Work Experience opportunities at The Fenn Bell

Volunteers and work experience students provide vital support and contribute to the success of our zoo. There are many rewarding roles here at the Fenn Bell, offering you a unique opportunity to work alongside a variety of animals and join our enthusiastic team.

Roles range from helping us to provide an involved and exciting experience for all of our guests, through to helping with the groundskeeping and maintenance, or helping out the animal husbandry teams.

Animal Department

The Animal Team, one of our most popular volunteer roles, are looking for individuals who are keen to get their hands dirty and help out our keepers with their daily routine.

Daily tasks include:

• Assisting with morning rounds
• Carrying out food preparation
• Helping with enclosure maintenance and care
• Helping to design, build and install animal enrichment
• Cleaning of animal enclosures

This is one of the more physically demanding roles and requires confident, sensible individuals with a real passion for animals. If you think you could be one of our hard-working team, come rain or shine, then this is the role for you.

Please note that due to high demand, you may not hear back from us immediately. We ask you to please be patient and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You must be aged 16 or over to apply for this role.

Have another role in mind?

Get in touch – you never know which skills may be helpful to the zoo!

To apply to become a volunteer or for a work experience placement, please email us on cg@thefennbell.com with a copy of your CV as well as a covering letter stating why you wish to have a position with us, your availability and any relevant experience you may have.

We look forward to hearing from you!