Assistant Keeper

Dublin Zoo holds the prestigious position of being ‘Ireland’s Number One Fee Paying Family Attraction’ welcoming in excess of 1 million visitors each year.

Our purpose is to save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature – one person, one family at a time.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and passionate Assistant Keeper to join our Animal and Grounds Team

The Assistant Keeper is required to be a hands-on member of the animal department Team. They will be assigned with basic duties including with cleaning, supporting general maintenance and husbandry tasks on section, helping with food preparation and diets and participating in any other animal related task which could be assigned by a more senior member of staff.

They will be a part of the animal care team within their assigned section, following world’s best practice, general compliance with Health and Safety regulations and consistent performance to overall Zoo standards. 

The duties of the post will include but are not limited to: 

Animals:

• To learn about the animals they are working with; carry out observation of their health and welfare in the section you are allocated to using the agreed procedures. 

• To help preparing and distributing the diets of animals according to agreed practice and to observe that animals eating effectively. 

• To clean animal areas using the agreed procedures and time frames. 

• Report any animal health concerns to a more senior staff member. 

• Carry out responsible work practices relevant to animal husbandry and general zoo practices following instructions of more senior team members.

• To carry out any duties that may be assigned and in general to assist the keeping staff as required in any part of the zoo.

• To participate/assist in basic training and veterinary procedures

Habitats and houses: 

• Assist with keeping areas, houses/habitats, food preparation and public viewing areas at high standard of hygiene, cleanliness and exhibition.

• Visually check facilities’ structure daily, reporting concerns immediately.

• Learn to assist with minor repairs and maintenance.

• Assist in ensuring all animal dept. areas, including staff areas are kept tidy and to a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene where applicable. 

Others:

• Ensure all institutional policies, procedures and protocols are followed always.

• Willing to be trained on first aid rota and to be on call as part of the first aid duty.

• Has achieved an appropriate animal related qualification (DMZAA or equivalent) or is in the process of completing it, or working the two year period post-DMZAA.

• Has some experience in animal care, understands the principles of animal welfare and demonstrates a responsible and enthusiastic approach to the work. 

• Understands why their work may be restricted compared to higher grade staff dependant on the animals involved, the task involved and their level of competence.

• Is physically fit enough for the required duties on the allocated section. 

• Has an interest in the zoo’s work and purpose.

• Flexibility in working times and duties is always a key requirement to ensure animals needs are covered.

• All employees must ensure that our visitors always experience excellent customer service and therefore will be willing to give operational support to any department requested.