Zoo Keeper

The Opportunity

VANRATH is delighted to be assisting Belfast City Council with the appointment of this role.

Belfast City Council is seeking a Zoo Animal Keeper to join the team at Belfast Zoological Gardens
. This is a practical, front‑line role focused on maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, enclosure safety and visitor engagement
, within a high‑profile public‑sector environment.

Reporting to the Curator or other designated officer, the post holder will work as part of a professional team delivering animal care, education, conservation and public interaction services.

• Daily care of Zoo animals including feeding, cleaning, health monitoring and enclosure safety.

• Preparation, storage and administration of animal food.

• Accurate maintenance of animal records including daily reports, quarantine and veterinary documentation.

• Administration of approved medication under veterinary guidance.

• Ongoing training and participation in all aspects of animal husbandry.

• Maintain cleanliness, safety and security of enclosures and surrounding areas.

• Carry out minor repairs and maintenance as required.

• Safe use of machinery, equipment and chemicals in line with COSHH and health & safety regulations.

• Act as keyholder for animal enclosures and public areas.

• Implement safety procedures including dangerous animal, escape and lost‑child protocols.

• Liaise with contractors working within animal areas.

• Deliver talks, presentations, tours and educational activities.

• Patrol the Zoo and manage visitor behaviour diplomatically.

• Support interactive, fundraising and hospitality events.

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders including veterinary teams, senior managers, PSNI and PR teams.

• Supervise volunteers, students, researchers and visitors working in animal areas.

• Support staff induction, training and development.

• Participate in recruitment, selection and HR procedures as required.

Applicants must, at the closing date for receipt of applications, be able to demonstrate a minimum of one year's relevant zoo‑keeping experience
, evidenced through personal and specific examples on the application form.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Practical experience of animal husbandry and welfare
  .

• Strong awareness of health & safety and COSHH requirements.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
  .

• Confidence communicating with the public and delivering talks or tours.

• Ability to supervise and support volunteers or junior staff.

• Calm decision-making in unforeseen or high‑pressure situations
  .

• Strong teamwork skills and a flexible, professional approach.

• Willingness to undertake ongoing training and development
  .

• Physical capability to meet the manual and outdoor demands of the role.

• Experience working with dangerous or regulated animal species
  .

• Relevant animal care or zoological qualifications.

• Experience contributing to public education or conservation programmes
  .

• Previous experience within a local authority or public‑sector setting

For further information on this vacancy, or any other Public Sector job in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Glenn Roberts in the strictest confidence