Support Volunteer - Primates & Small Mammals
We have an exciting opportunity for a support volunteer to join the Primates and Small Mammals team to assist our animal keepers with animal husbandry, enclosure maintenance, general upkeep of the section and record keeping.
What does the role involve?
Assisting keepers with;
· Cleaning animal habitats
· Food preparation and feeding of animals
· Cleaning and feeding of live food (insects)
· Habitat maintenance e.g. raking, pruning, cleaning windows, weeding, substrate changes, refurbishments, maintaining life support systems, DIY etc.
· Animal observations and behaviour reporting
· Basic administrative tasks & record keeping
· General cleaning and tidying of communal areas of the section e.g. kitchen, yard, fridge, tool room, mess room, laundry etc.
We are looking for a volunteer that has a passion and enthusiasm for animals and conservation with a basic understanding of the zoo industry and an ambition to enter the animal care profession. An understanding of basic health and safety, including biosecurity is essential.
We are looking for a positive and friendly team player with good observation and IT skills. You need to be a good communicator and someone who is able to ask questions and be willing to learn. In return you will get ongoing mentoring from the keeping team
This role will require physical fitness and stamina as you will be on your feet all day, with some heavy lifting, and use of some heavy equipment. You will also be working in some challenging environments including high temperatures, uneven ground, wet/cold weather, around water bodies, low branching etc.
Masks are required to be worn when working with Primates and there will be contact with potential allergens e.g. nuts, medications, hair/fur, chemicals etc.
Full section training will be provided along with the required risk assessments and standard operating procedures. You will always be paired with a member of the keeping team unless set up with a task deemed appropriate by the Team Leader or Senior Keeper, e.g. cleaning and tidying non-animal areas, working in habitats with animals secured away, typing up records etc.
We are looking for 1-2 support volunteers that are able to commit to a minimum of one day each week, on a regular basis, working 08:00-17:00.
Closing Date: Sunday 28 June 2026
