Full Time Zoo Keeper

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About Us:

Situated in West Co. Limerick, just a short drive outside Newcastle West, Wild Encounters Mini Zoo is a small and developing facility housing a range of exotic and domestic animal species such as meerkats, marmosets, donkeys, parrots, pigs, lizards, snakes, invertebrates and more! Having opened to the public only in 2020, the mini zoo is in an exciting phase of growth and development with lots of plans for the future whilst in its early stages.

Job Description:

Due to team expansion, an exciting opportunity has arisen on the animal husbandry section of the Mini Zoo aiding in the management and welfare of our domestic and exotic animals. We are looking for someone that is excited about the possibility of joining a young, developing facility and being instrumental in the continued growth of the site whilst potentially bringing new ideas and experience to help with its evolution. Successful candidates will be passionate and knowledgeable about wildlife and will have the skills required to communicate this passion and knowledge directly to our visitors from all ages and backgrounds.

This is a full-time position on a 40 hour per week basis and will include working some weekends and holidays.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):

-daily animal husbandry and training

-enclosure and site maintenance

-record keeping

-taking part in and delivering animal demonstrations and talks with public and school programmes

-any other such duties as required

The ideal candidate:

-will have a minimum of 1 year exotic animal husbandry experience in a zoo licenced facility

-will be reliable, energetic and up for working in an indoor and outdoor environment under all weather conditions.

-will be excited at the prospect of joining a developing facility with room to expand and helping us to achieve that growth.

-must be confident working with, handling and interacting with any and all types of animals from reptiles and bugs to birds and mammals and have the passion for them to be continually be developing their knowledge on exotic animal welfare.

-daily keeper talks and presentations are an important element of the visitor experience and so must be a confident public speaker and able to interact confidently with members of the public, especially children.

-someone passionate about the natural world with the ability to deliver our school programmes and public demonstrations to a high standard with the drive to help adding to what we currently offer.

-has achieved or is willing to work towards an appropriate animal related qualification (DMZAA or equivalent)

-willing to get stuck into all aspects of the job, including the non-glamorous side of animal husbandry

-will have a full driving licence

-has an interest in the Mini Zoo's work and purpose and will have a passion to help reach its future goals in education, conservation and research

-will bring new ideas and experiences and help the mini zoo to progress and develop

-due to health and safety of working with some of the animals we have at the Mini Zoo we regret we cannot accept applications from anyone under the age of 18yrs.

Closing date for applications: 30/10/26 (interviews may start taking place before this date with the aim to start the successful applicant in the role early 2027)

Please send CV and cover letter to getwild@wildencounters.ie. We thank you in advance for your interest in working with us and we wish you the best of luck with your application!

NB: Please quote “FAO Animal Care Department” in your subject line when submitting your application.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to €31,512.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Kilmead, County Limerick: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person