Closing Date: Monday 10th February 2025
Temporary position -12 months – with possibility of extending
Salary up to £27,040 DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits
We are currently recruiting for an Animal Keeper within our Large Carnivore Section at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a wide range of species including Amur Tigers, Amur leopards, Brown bears, Andean bears, African lions, African painted dogs, Southern cheetah, Maned wolves and European Grey wolves.
Who are we looking for:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team of large carnivore keepers. You must possess good animal husbandry skills and be enthusiastic about contributing to the enrichment of the species we hold. The successful applicant will be expected to undertake all animal husbandry duties as well as basic enclosure furnishing, maintenance tasks, Gardening, butchery, and record keeping. You will need to be confident around all types of carnivores with a hands-on approach to the restraint and handling of animals where necessary.
We are looking for an individual who will be proud of our contribution to conservation and keen to tell visitors about it. You will have the opportunity to develop your professional skills and abilities. Candidates must have a good level of physical fitness as this role is physically demanding, and a full valid driving license is essential to the role. It would be advantageous to possess a varied skillset including general gardening and maintenance, and a recognised Zoo Animal Management qualification is essential. Conservation education plays a big role in the park so there will be plenty of opportunities for talks and encounters with the public so public speaking and good communication is essential. We will provide extensive staff training and will offer the opportunity to develop your professional skills and abilities.
Contract details:
This is a 1-year fixed term contract (with the possibility of extending). Working hours are full-time, working five days out of seven, 40 hours per week, generally 8am to 5pm including weekends and bank holidays, although a flexible approach to working hours is essential working with animals. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is essential due to our remote location.
The location:
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short-break accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.
Why you should join us:
As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and roars from our pride of Lions, you will also join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.
You can also expect a host of other benefits including:
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service.
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning
- Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
- Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
- Exceptional discounts on food, retail, and accommodation at our parks.
- Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
- And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.
Please note, this role may close early if we receive a high volume of applications.
To Apply: Please email your C.V. and covering letter to – sarahw@portlympne.com
