We are looking for candidates who can clearly demonstrate their suitability for this role. To be considered, please submit a covering letter and your CV. Applications without a covering letter will not be shortlisted, so take this opportunity to show us why you are the right fit!
Waddesdon Manor Aviary is one of the UK’s most distinctive bird collections, housed within a Grade II* listed Victorian aviary dating from the 1880s. Originally commissioned by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, the collection continues to celebrate his passion for birds while playing an increasingly important role in modern conservation, education and animal welfare.
As an Aviary Keeper, you will join a small, dedicated team responsible for the daily care and management of a diverse collection of birds. The collection reflects the species and taxa historically associated with Baron Ferdinand’s aviary while also contributing to contemporary conservation programmes, public engagement and scientific knowledge.
Working under the guidance of the Curator of Birds, you will help ensure the highest standards of husbandry, welfare and presentation across the collection. You will also contribute to the continued development of the aviary as both a historic attraction and a progressive zoological collection.
What you will do:
Waddesdon Aviary is an active member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and is committed to supporting international ex situ conservation. Several species within the collection are managed under EAZA Ex Situ Programmes (EEPs), contributing to the long-term sustainability of threatened bird populations through carefully coordinated breeding, population management and collaboration with other zoological institutions.
The Aviary also supports wider conservation initiatives through research, education, professional collaboration and the sharing of husbandry expertise. As an Aviary Keeper, you will play an important role in maintaining the high standards required for participation in these programmes and in supporting conservation outcomes both within and beyond the collection.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Preparing and presenting species-appropriate diets.
- Feeding and monitoring the health and behaviour of the bird collection.
- Cleaning and maintaining aviaries and off-show accommodation to the highest standards.
- Maintaining and improving enclosures, furnishings, planting, pools and perching.
- Carrying out bird handling, restraint and transport when required.
- Assisting with bird ringing, identification and routine health procedures.
- Administering medications and supporting veterinary treatments as directed.
- Monitoring breeding activity and providing nesting materials and suitable nest sites.
- Hand-rearing birds where necessary.
- Maintaining accurate animal records using the Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS) and other collection records.
- Reporting enclosure maintenance requirements and assisting with minor repairs.
- Implementing appropriate pest and vermin control measures.
- Undertaking daily welfare assessments and reporting any concerns promptly.
- Delivering engaging public talks, encounters and educational presentations to visitors.
- Supporting conservation breeding recommendations, animal transfers and collection planning.
- Assisting with the movement, introduction and quarantine of birds when required.
Standards and Compliance
- The bird collection is maintained under the requirements of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. You will be expected to help ensure that all aspects of husbandry, welfare and record keeping meet or exceed these standards, while contributing to continual improvements across the collection.
Health & Safety
- You will be expected to work safely at all times, following Waddesdon Manor’s Health and Safety policies, safe systems of work and biosecurity procedures. This includes the safe use of equipment, personal protective equipment, manual handling techniques and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disease prevention.
You will be a great fit if:
You are the kind of Aviculturist who enjoys really knowing your birds – not just managing a routine, but understanding behaviour, noticing change, and taking pride in the detail that underpins excellent welfare.
You are confident and experienced working with Passerine, Galliform and Columbiform taxa, including incubation and hand-rearing when required, and you are comfortable taking responsibility for the daily care of a live collection.
You work with calm confidence, whether independently or as part of a small team where everyone relies on each other. You do not wait to be told – you see what needs doing, you take ownership, and you follow things through properly.
Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter for this role:
To help us select candidates for interview, we will be looking for evidence of the following experience and skills within your application:
- A genuine passion for aviculture, bird welfare and conservation.
- Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
- A proactive approach to animal husbandry and enclosure maintenance.
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a small, supportive team.
- Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with visitors.
- A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, professionalism and safety.
Additional Requirements:
The safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and vulnerable adults are of the utmost importance for any role at the Rothschild Foundation, Waddesdon Manor. Consequently, this position may require a basic or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to uphold the safety and security of all our guests, staff and volunteers.
Rewards for working with us:
- We are proud of where we work and want to share Waddesdon Manor with family and friends by offering a number of complimentary tickets to the house and grounds.
- Waddesdon Manor Discounts – 50% discount in the food-to-go outlets at the Manor. 20% in the Manor gift shop and restaurant, Stables Café, Five Arrows Hotel, and The Bow Pub. 20% discount on special event tickets made available to staff.
- Staff Card – A National Trust staff card entitles two adults and children under 18 years of age free admission to all National Trust properties and 20% discount in NT retail and catering outlets.
- Annual Leave – On starting with us, you will receive 25 days annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays pro-rata. Stay with us for 3 years and this rises to 28 days, 30 days after five years and 32 days after 10 years.
- Sick pay – If you become ill, one week of sick pay during your first 3 months. This rises to a maximum of 3 months full pay within a rolling 12-month period. After four years you also receive a further 3 months at half pay in the rolling 12-month period.
- Pension – We will top up your pension by matching any contribution you make, up to 10% of your basic salary.
- Income Protection – on completing one year of continuous service, income protection may be available at 50% of basic salary for a maximum of 5 years.
- Life Assurance – a lump sum of 4 times basically annual salary is payable upon death in service.
- Long Service Awards – every 5 years of service, you are invited to a celebration to recognise your contribution to the organisation. A cash sum is awarded as a thank you.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support – access to a wellbeing platform and fully funded 1:1 counselling service.
- Enhanced Maternity Pay – after 12 months of continuous service, you can choose 13 weeks of maternity leave at full pay followed by 26 weeks statutory pay.
- Enhanced Paternity Pay – after 12 months of continuous service, you may take 3 months of paternity leave at full pay.
- Eye Care – eye care vouchers for employees who are DSE users.
- Flu Jabs – free flu jabs in October.
- Travel – Cycle to Work Scheme, Season Ticket Loan for train or bus, Octopus Electric Vehicle Scheme.
- Deposit Loan Scheme – financial support to go towards a private rental deposit.
- Access to Perk at Work – access to exclusive discounts from hundreds of retailers, and up to 55% off cinema tickets.
- Memberships – 20% discount on new Nuffield gym memberships. 15% off Hartwell Spa Memberships and treatments, and 15% off food in the restaurant.
Workplace adjustments:
We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, compressed hours, providing equipment or changes to the workplace, where possible.
EDI
At the Rothschild Foundation, we place Equality, Inclusion and Diversity at the core of our values. We strive to be an organisation that actively addresses inequality and prejudice while fostering a truly anti-racist culture. Our approach is centered on meaningful and equitable support and development for you and others throughout your time with us. We are committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, where every team member feels valued, respected, and has a true sense of belonging.
Application:
The vacancy advert may be taken down from job boards earlier than the stated deadline if a high standard of applications is received.
To reduce bias in our shortlisting process, we operate an anonymized application process. All candidates invited to interview have the opportunity to request adjustments to the recruitment process when scheduling your interview, for example accessible parking, communication support or breaks
To apply, please send a current CV and covering letter explaining how your experience and skills match those outlined above to [email protected].
Closing Date: midnight, Sunday 20 September 2026
Interview Date: provisionally held for w/c 05 October 2026
If you apply for this role and are selected to interview, here is what you can expect:
- Round 1: In-person interview with the Zoo Manager & Curator of Birds
- Round 2: In-person interview with TBC
