Primate Keeper

Salary Commensurate with experience

Full Time, Fixed Term Position (12-month contract)

Plus a living out allowance or £2,600 per annum pro-rata to working hours, if onsite accommodation is not required or available.

Are you wild about creating memorable experiences?

Do you want to work in a place where you can hear calls from troops of Howler Monkeys, or the  roars from a pride of Lions?

Howletts Wild Animal Park in Canterbury, Kent is recruiting for the position of Primate Keeper, to work 5 days per week 8am – 5pm.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated individual with an interest in animal management. You must have previous experience of working with animals, in a mainstream zoological collection, an awareness of current conservation issues and a passion for animal welfare. This position is a key role which will involve providing basic animal husbandry and regular interaction with the public. You will deliver routine daily tasks to a high standard including feeding and cleaning, and maintain a good understanding of dietary needs, ensuring that the feeding regime follows the prescribed diet. You will also assist with the preparation, distribution, and administration of medication.

Who we are looking for:

The applicant must be enthusiastic in contributing to the enrichment of the primate species around the park and must be confident in speaking to groups of people. You will have a practical and proactive approach coupled with excellent organisation and communication skills are essential, as is a full valid driving licence. An animal management qualification would be advantageous. Previous experience of working with primates would be desirable.

Contract details:

This is a 12-month, fixed term contract, with an expected start date as the 5th May 2024. Working 40 hours over a 5-day week, the successful candidate will have a genuinely flexible approach to working hours which will include weekends and bank holidays. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If on-site accommodation is not available or required, then a living out allowance is paid. Living out allowance is £2,600 gross per annum (pro rata to working hours). A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location.

 All applicants must have right to work in the UK.

The location:

Howletts Wild Animal Park is located near Canterbury and set within 90 acres of land to explore. Howletts is home to over 300 rare and endangered species, including Kents only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, and more gorillas, leopards and monkeys than any zoo in the county! 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:

We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work. Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.

You can also expect a host of other roarsome benefits including:

• Living out allowance in addition to salary.
• 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.
• A great working environment with lots of social activities
• Company Pension
• And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.

Closing Date: Monday 8 April 2024

To apply: Please email a CV along with a covering letter to – recruitment@howlettsandportlympne.com