Zookeeper

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• animal or zoo management
• animal behaviour and welfare
• zoology or marine zoology
• animal conservation and biodiversity
• veterinary science
• biology

Zoos vary in what qualifications they ask for and it can depend on what their zookeepers are going to do.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree

College

You could do a course before applying to a zoo for a trainee zookeeper's job. Relevant courses include:

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management
• Level 3 Diploma in Animal Care or Animal Science
• Biology A level
• T Level in Animal Care and Management

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in animal care and welfare. This may help you to get a job as a trainee keeper with a zoo.

You could also do a keeper or aquarist advanced apprenticeship, depending on where you work.

You may be able to specialise in training zoo animals by completing an animal trainer higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could complete a Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) if you're working in a zoo or aquarium.

Volunteering

You can volunteer in a zoo or wildlife centre to get experience. This will be important, as there's a lot of competition for trainee jobs. You could get experience volunteering at:

• kennels, farms or riding stables
• animal sanctuaries or rescue homes

Any experience you can get working with the public will also be helpful preparation for educating visitors to the zoo. Many animal charities offer opportunities to promote animal welfare directly to the public, or online, through social media campaigns.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• customer service skills
• knowledge of biology
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• a desire to help people
• the ability to read English
• concentration skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• knowledge of English language
• physical fitness and endurance
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses

What you'll do:

Zookeepers look after animals in zoos, safari parks and aquariums.

In this role you could:

• prepare food and feed animals
• clean out enclosures and change bedding
• check for signs of distress or disease
• work with a vet to care for sick animals
• check enclosures for signs of wear or damage
• monitor conditions like temperature and humidity
• keep daily animal welfare records
• supervise trainee keepers and animal care workers
• run education workshops and give talks to visitors

Location : You could work at a zoo or at a wildlife park.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £14,000
Experienced : £25,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

In larger zoos, wildlife parks or aquariums, you could progress from keeper to team leader or head keeper.

You might need to relocate to another part of the country to work your way up into higher positions, as competition for senior jobs can be tough.

With experience and a degree, you could become a curator. You could also move into education or conservation research.