Animal Keeper Apprentice

Longleat is seeking multiple committed and enthusiastic Animal Keeper Apprentices to join our team and help us continue our tradition of hiring engaged, productive employees. With a core business of around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing immersive experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

The level 3 Zookeeper and Aquarist apprenticeship was successfully launched at Longleat in 2021, alongside Haddon Training who have over 20 years’ experience delivering apprenticeship programs and are rated as an ‘Outstanding’ Training Provider by Ofsted. The Level 3 apprenticeship is equivalent to an A level qualification allowing you to achieve the skills, knowledge and behaviours for the industry whilst getting paid.

You will be learning all the skills required to become an Animal Keeper across a variety of animal departments, including Animal Adventure and Safari, working with animals such as giraffe, meerkats, otters and more.

**What will this role entail?**

Reporting to the Lead Keepers and Team manager, you’ll will be studying at Longleat, both online and remotely. You will also carry out all the practical elements of being a keeper, including patrolling, animal observations, reporting and advising on husbandry and safety matters.

Tasks to be trained and competency identified will include:

- Interpreting diet Sheets, preparing and delivering Animal feeds
- Servicing, cleaning and managing Animal environments
- Providing Species specific habitats and routines for animals.
- Observing and understanding Animal behaviour
- Animal Health and Welfare, recording and reporting findings
- Checking enclosure and other work areas for potential or existing hazards
- Engaging with visitors and stakeholders, tailoring information to the audience

**What will I need to be considered for this vacancy?**
- 5 GCSE’s (pass) or equivalent including English & Maths
- Physically fit
- Full UK driving licence
- Ability to work efficiently and at pace, with excellent time management skills.
- Demonstrate ability to take emotional and physical challenges in their stride.
- An interest and passion for animals is essential.
- Commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
- Ability to show experience to commitment of interest in general zoo and wildlife husbandry.

**What will I receive in return?**

As an Animal Keeper Apprentice you will receive a rate of up to £10.60 per hour, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;
- 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata)
- Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees
- Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
- 50% off Annual passes for Friends and Family
- Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
- 20% off VIP Experiences, 10% off Accommodation
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Employee Assistant Programme
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance scheme
- Perks at work
- Option for consideration of any suitable and available permanent position after successful course completion.

This is a fixed term contract for a period of two years working a minimum of 30 hours per week, with working hours to vary over a 7 day rota basis, including weekends, evening and bank holidays as required. House will vary in accordance with opening times. Positions available from September.

At Longleat, we believe in engaging and inspiring our employees, putting people first, taking accountability, continuously improving, and acting with integrity. We invite everyone who works with us to subscribe to these values, as they truly set us apart as a place to work.

**Location**: Longleat (Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW)