Aquatic Animal Keeper

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

Ready to make a splash and roam across an ever-changing animal kingdom as an Aquatic Animal Keeper at Chessington World of Adventures Resort?

At Chessington, our adventurers don’t just visit a zoo, they step through a portal into a living, breathing world packed with amazing creatures, jaw dropping encounters and heart pounding moments. As an Aquatic Animal Keeper, no two days are the same. You’ll work within the Zoo Team and take an active role in the day-to-day running of the collection, including delivery of the highest standards of animal husbandry.

Duties will include the management and maintenance of aquatic and semi-aquatic animal species and their habitats. These species will include (but are not limited to) sea lions, otters, penguins, plus a wide range of fish, aquatic invertebrates and other ectotherms within our SEALIFE aquarium. You may also have the opportunity to work with other species within the collection, offering outstanding opportunities for professional development.

You will be part of a team that creates the most stimulating environment possible – for both animals and guests. Since we’re big on conservation, education and research, you’ll have a big part to play in that too. You will also be keen to support all areas within our zoo, which will in turn benefit your own personal development. You will ensure the health and safety of yourself, colleagues and our guests at all times as well as develop a personal training programme in conjunction with your line manager.

This is a full time, fixed term role, averaging 40 hours per week, working 5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays.

Qualifications & Experience

• A sound understanding of aquatic life support systems (LSS) and their management.
• Experience of working in a zoo or aquarium environment.
• A tertiary qualification in Animal Science, Zoology, Biology, or a related field is preferred.
• Possession of a forklift licence and/or firearms experience would be advantageous.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, with the stamina to stand for extended periods and effectively handle physically demanding tasks.
• Confident communicator and shows good initiative.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail while maintaining a clear focus on broader objectives.
• Passion and excitement for your chosen field, with a keen drive to develop your career as an animal keeper.
• Team player, with a positive, can – do attitude
• Able to stay focused and in control under pressure.
• Adaptability, flexibility and willingness to swap routines at short notice to meet the needs of changing circumstances.
• Be able to demonstrate initiative and a pro-active approach to completing tasks
• Flexible availability around park hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Comfortable interacting with guests, and upholding Chessington’s brand values.

Benefits

• 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants
• 40% off LEGO online
• Merlin Magic Pass - giving you free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year
• Enjoy the Ride Pass – giving you and 5 others a Merlin Annual Pass (Gold Edition)
• Discounted rates at Merlin hotels all over the world
• Employee pricing up to 55% off cinema tickets

Sound like your next adventure? Apply now and be part of our incredible world.

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

GBP £26,000.00/Yr.