Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate, dedicated, and reliable Penguin Keeper to join our Small Animal & Exotics team caring for a colony of Humboldt Penguins. This full-time role offers the opportunity to work with one of the world's most engaging bird species, delivering the highest standards of husbandry, welfare, and daily care within a purpose-built penguin habitat.
Working as part of a small, dedicated team, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the penguin colony, ensuring exceptional standards of animal care through meticulous husbandry, behavioural observation, habitat maintenance, and accurate record keeping. This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced and motivated individual with a genuine passion for avian husbandry, excellent attention to detail, and a proactive approach to animal welfare.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Husbandry & Health
- Prepare and provide daily fish diets in accordance with established feeding plans.
- Prepare and administer daily vitamins, nutritional supplements, and prescribed medications, maintaining accurate treatment records.
- Monitor individual food intake, body condition, weights, breeding activity, and behaviour, maintaining detailed daily records.
- Carry out daily visual health checks and promptly report any concerns to the Head Keeper or veterinary team.
- Liaise with veterinary professionals and assist with routine health care, including weighing, health examinations, and administering veterinary treatments in line with veterinary advice and established protocols.
- Support breeding and chick-rearing activities in accordance with established husbandry protocols.
Habitat Maintenance
- Clean, disinfect, and maintain the penguin habitat, nesting areas, pools, holding pens, and back-of-house facilities to an exceptional standard.
- Assist with the operation and routine maintenance of filtration and life support systems where required.
- Ensure habitats remain clean, safe, secure, and well-presented at all times.
- Identify and report any maintenance requirements or equipment issues promptly.
Enrichment & Behaviour
- Plan and deliver a varied programme of environmental enrichment to encourage natural behaviours and promote positive welfare.
- Participate in behavioural observations and positive reinforcement training where appropriate.
- Monitor breeding pairs, nesting behaviour, and social dynamics within the colony.
Safety & Standards
- Ensure the security and integrity of all penguin habitats and holding areas.
- Adhere to all biosecurity, hygiene, and Health & Safety procedures.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and professional working environment.
- Report any hazards, maintenance issues, or animal welfare concerns immediately.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
- A genuine passion for delivering the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry.
- Previous experience working with penguins is desirable; applicants with experience caring for other aquatic birds or avian species within a zoological, wildlife, or specialist animal collection will also be considered.
- Excellent observational skills with the ability to identify subtle changes in behaviour, appetite, or health.
- Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail and record keeping.
- The ability to work independently while contributing positively within a small, dedicated team.
- Good physical fitness and the ability to undertake manual duties and work outdoors throughout the year.
- A flexible, reliable, and professional approach to work.
- A full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- A qualification in Animal Management, Zoology, or a related discipline.
- Knowledge of avian health, enrichment, breeding, and behavioural management.
- Familiarity with filtration or aquatic life support systems.
Working Hours
This is a full-time position working 50 hours per week, across 5 days, including a 1-hour paid lunch break.
Weekend working is required on a rotational basis, working 3 out of every 4 weekends.
Flexibility is essential, as working hours may vary to meet seasonal, operational, and animal care requirements.
To Apply:
Soonest starter ideal, as such interviews will be held before the closing date and the position will close once filled, this may be before the closing deadline so please register your interest!
Pay: £31,750.00-£36,750.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Windsor, Berkshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- bird or aquatic avian keeping: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- UK Driving License (required)
- DBS Certificate (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
