Qualified Cover Keeper

Qualified Cover Keeper (Fixed Term) Location: Wildwood Devon, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1LU Reports to: Director of Park Operations Contract: Full time, fixed term Grade: 5 Job Purpose This role sits within our team of keepers, responsible for the daily monitoring and general welfare of all species in our care, completing documentation as required, reporting concerns, and working with the wider organisation to create a positive visitor experience. Key Responsibilities Contribute to the development and implementation of high standards of husbandry and welfare, feeding in line with approved diets and correct feeding procedures and supporting the development of innovative, enriching and aesthetic enclosures with the team Maintain high standards of hygiene, equipment care and house-keeping as part of routine duties Comply with all health and safety protocols and documentation, including emergency procedures, risk assessments and safe working practices Conduct comprehensive animal welfare audits Participate in husbandry training, enrichment, veterinary interventions and other relevant animal related procedures as required Develop knowledge by liaising with experienced colleagues, or those with specific knowledge of different species in the park Support conservation projects through monitoring, release, conservation breeding, partnership meetings as necessary Enhance the visitor experiences through positive engagement with guests to the park and giving keeper talks / Q&As as required Support broader Wildwood activities such as late evening / weekend functions, animal encounters, PR photo calls/filming, VIP encounters, Keeper for a Day, and other Wildwood events Accurately input animal records and data onto daily record sheets and the ZIMS database etc. The Working Week Your working week will be varied and busy, with no two days the same. Priorities will be the husbandry and welfare of the species in our care, accurately completing all necessary paperwork, and collaborating with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the department. You will need to be consistently respectful of safe working practices and maintain the highest possible standards in all areas of your role. Core working hours are 08:00 until 17:00 in the summer and 08:00-16:00 in the winter with an unpaid half an hour for lunch. This post is averaged at 38 hours per week over 5 days. The job will involve overtime, including some evening, weekend and bank holiday working as part of your normal duties. You may be required to occasionally travel between parks. Health, Safety and Wellbeing Considerations Use of machinery / tools Hand Arm Vibration Repetitive limb movements Lone working Working with Category One animals Use of company vehicle Mandatory Training For This Role Includes Manual Handling Equality & Diversity Safeguarding Awareness GDPR / Data Protection Awareness Fire Safety Awareness Ladder Safety Animal Escape Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience All Wildwood staff are passionate, committed, and resourceful. To succeed in this specific role, you will be self‑motivated, hardworking, and a great team player. Essential Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) qualification (or equivalent) Practical experience of animal husbandry, management and care for a range of species Confidence to carry out tasks independently, whilst also having the ability to follow instructions accurately and safely Previous experience of working within the health and safety parameters of a zoological environment Ability to carry out agreed veterinary treatments accurately as determined by veterinary staff, administering correct doses and recording appropriately Broad taxonomic knowledge on a range of species managed within zoological collections but particularly native species Well‑rounded general knowledge of husbandry, exhibition, diet and reproduction, and eagerness to continually develop this knowledge Understanding of behavioural enrichment and conditioning programs, and their importance in the role of animal husbandry Knowledge of techniques used to handle and catch up specific animals as may be necessary for veterinary procedures Demonstrate a genuine love of British wildlife and belief in Wildwood’s Mission; to protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife. Desirable Confidence in public speaking and camera work, as some media work may be required Extensive experience working with native species Why work for Wildwood Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. We work with nature to fight the biodiversity crisis, to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats in which nature thrives. We focus on nature‑based solutions to return native species and recreating truly wild spaces. Wildwood has a proud culture of respecting and valuing all colleagues. Our people are integral to our success; their expertise enables us to achieve our ambitions, their professionalism creates strong collaborations, and their integrity upholds our organisational values. Employment Package Annual salary of £24,193.00 (pro rata for part time or fixed term roles) Annual leave allowance of 30 days a year, including statutory holidays (pro rata for part time or fixed term roles) Inclusive and family‑friendly working policies Training & development opportunities Selection of staff benefits including discounts Free or reduced price entry to BIAZA accredited zoos and aquariums Apply For This Job This is a temporary fixed term role for two months, ending 31 January 2026. Please email your CV and cover letter to jobs@wildwoodtrust.org #J-18808-Ljbffr