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Merlin Entertainments • Surrey-Chessington, KT9 2NE, UK

Seasonal Hoofstock Keeper

Employment type:  Part time
Salary:  £12 per hour
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Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort Leatherhead Road Chessington Surrey KT9 2NE

Hours: Fixed term contract to 15th November 2026

Advert closing date: 31st January 2026

Please note we reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high volume of quality applications. We would therefore recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.

COME & JOIN BRITAINS WILDEST ADVENTURE!

Are you passionate about creating memorable experiences? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, fun environment? Then we want YOU to be part of our team. Leave the everyday behind and unleash your imagination as you explore a career at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Britain’s biggest wildlife theme park.

Here at Chessington World of Adventures we are gearing up for our 2026 Season and we are looking for Seasonal Hoofstock Keepers to join the team!

To support to our experienced keepers, you will be delivering the highest standards of animal husbandry for a wide range of species in the Hoofstock Section which include Giraffes, Rhinos, zebras and many more.

Day to day this role will include:

  • Becoming proficient in the care and husbandry of species assigned to the Hoofstock Section.
  • Maintain records and documentation pertaining to the animals in your care; liaising with the Zoo Supervisor to keep animal records up-to-date.
  • Deliver amazing guest experiences as required including VIP experiences and keeper talks.
  • Support the wider Resort operation in the delivery of Merlin and Chessington’s business objectives.
  • Comply with and adhere to all relevant health and safety procedures and protocols in line with legal and company requirements.
  • Planning, evaluating and executing environmental enrichment for the animals under your care
  • Using positive reinforcement; training a wide variety of species for husbandry behaviours
  • Support the goals of the Chessington Conservation Fund (CCF), Merlin’s Magic Wand (MMW) and the Sea Life Trust; assisting and supporting with fundraising events.
  • Participate in education, research and conservation projects where applicable.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of one of the UK’s most exciting attractions. Apply now to join our Team and make every day an adventure!

Qualifications & Experience

We need you to come with is the right positive attitude, enjoy working as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment, and be able to deliver jaw dropping fun to our Guests!

  • Our ideal candidate will have completed or be working towards an animal-based qualification and have previous experience working in animal care.
  • You will be a clear confident public speaker with the ability to deliver keeper talks and presentations confidently and professionally
  • You will be hard-working, adaptable and reliable
  • You will have passion and excitement for your chosen field, with a keen drive to develop your career as an animal keeper.
  • Full clean UK driving license is required.

Benefits

  • A competitive hourly rate
  • Access to Merlin benefits page with discounts on over 1000 fashion and electronic retailers, restaurants, and travel
  • 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
  • 40% discount on Lego
  • Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family, and friends to enjoy all our Merlin Attractions across the world
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities.

Pay Range

GBP £12.21/Hr.

Company benefits

Annual bonus
Buy or sell annual leave
Charity donation scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Employee assistance programme
Employee discounts – 40% LEGO Discount
Enhanced pension match/contribution
Eye Care Support
Family health insurance
Health insurance
Theme park discounts
Lunch and learns
In house training
Further education support
Open to part time work for some roles

Working at Merlin Entertainments

Company employees:

22,000

Gender diversity (m:f:n-b):

0:52:48

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