Volunteer Zoo Keeper
Location: Holmes Chapel Zoo, Twemlow Lane, CW4 8DS
Role Type: Volunteer
Minimum Commitment: One regular day per week
About Holmes Chapel Zoo
Holmes Chapel Zoo is a community-focused zoo dedicated to high standards of animal welfare, conservation, and public education. Our mission is to engage visitors with wildlife while supporting conservation initiatives and responsible animal care.
Volunteers play an important supporting role within the zoo by assisting our professional keeper team with daily operations and helping maintain the high standards expected within a modern zoological collection.
Purpose of the Role
Volunteer Zoo Keepers support the animal care team with routine husbandry tasks, site maintenance and visitor engagement. The role provides valuable hands-on experience within a working zoo environment while contributing positively to the welfare of the animals and the visitor experience.
Volunteers work under the supervision of trained zoo staff and will only carry out tasks appropriate to their training and experience.
Key Responsibilities
Volunteer Zoo Keepers may assist with a range of tasks including:
Animal Husbandry Support
- Assisting with cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures
- Supporting keepers with preparing and distributing animal diets
- Preparing enrichment items to support natural behaviours
- Observing animal behaviour and reporting any changes to the keeper team
- Maintaining high standards of hygiene and biosecurity
Zoo Maintenance and General Duties
- Assisting with enclosure maintenance and improvement projects
- Supporting general zoo upkeep including cleaning, washing equipment, and organising keeper areas
- Gardening and weeding to help maintain the zoo grounds
- Ensuring work areas remain clean, tidy and safe
Visitor Engagement and Education
Once trained, volunteers may also assist with:
- Answering visitor questions about the animals
- Supporting educational talks and animal encounter sessions
- Helping create a positive visitor experience at the zoo
Volunteers should understand that zoo work is varied and may include tasks that do not involve direct interaction with animals.
Volunteer Expectations
Volunteers are expected to demonstrate the following:
Reliability and Timekeeping
- Attend agreed volunteer shifts consistently
- Arrive on time and ready to work
- Inform the zoo as soon as possible if unable to attend or if delayed
Communication
- Listen carefully and follow instructions given by the keeper team
- Ask questions if unsure about tasks or procedures
- Report any changes in animal behaviour, health concerns, or safety issues immediately
Professional Conduct
- Follow all zoo rules, safety procedures and biosecurity measures
- Work respectfully with staff, volunteers and visitors
- Represent the zoo in a positive and professional manner
Accountability
- Take responsibility for tasks assigned
- Be honest about mistakes or incidents so they can be addressed quickly and safely
Working Environment
Zoo work can be physically demanding and may involve:
- Cleaning animal enclosures and handling waste
- Working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Lifting equipment or carrying supplies
- Performing routine tasks such as washing equipment or grounds maintenance
Volunteers should be comfortable working around a wide variety of species including mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates.
Training and Induction
All volunteers must complete an induction process before starting duties.
This includes:
- Reviewing a Volunteer Induction Pack covering health and safety, biosecurity and animal welfare procedures
- Completing a short on-site induction and site orientation
- Undertaking initial shadow shifts with the keeper team
Volunteers will only undertake tasks appropriate to their training and experience.
Person Specification
Suitable volunteers will demonstrate:
- A genuine interest in animals, wildlife or conservation
- Strong reliability and good timekeeping
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills
- Ability to follow instructions and work safely
- Confidence to work around a range of animal species
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- A positive and proactive attitude
Previous animal care experience is helpful but not essential.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteers gain:
- Practical experience in a working zoo environment
- Training and mentorship from experienced keepers
- Insight into professional animal husbandry and zoo operations
- Opportunities to develop communication and public engagement skills
- The satisfaction of contributing to animal welfare and conservation education
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be able to commit to one regular volunteering day per week
- Be willing to follow all zoo procedures and safety requirements
Job Type: Volunteer
Pay: From £1.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
