Bird Keeper; Aviculture weekends - Birdworld

Overview

Keeper (Aviculture) – Full-time, including weekends and bank holidays as part of a rota.

Reports To: Living Collections Team Leader

To contribute to the daily care, welfare, and management of the bird collection within Birdworld. This includes maintaining high standards of husbandry, supporting conservation and breeding programs, delivering excellent guest experiences, and upholding Birdworld’s values around welfare, education, and conservation.

• Deliver daily care of birds, including feeding, cleaning, monitoring behaviour and health, and supporting enrichment.
• Take responsibility for a defined area or section of the collection, ensuring standards are upheld and accurate records are maintained.
• Support the Senior Keepers and Team Leader in delivering species-appropriate care, including diet preparation and enrichment design.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in aviaries, enclosures, food preparation areas and service spaces.
• Follow all biosecurity, safety, and animal welfare protocols and encourage others to do the same.
• Monitor and report behavioural or health concerns to senior staff in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in conservation, education, and breeding initiatives as directed.
• Provide friendly, informative, and engaging experiences for visitors, including talks, feeds and informal engagement.
• Assist with seasonal activities, events, and other duties as required to support the wider park.
• Support team communication by ensuring daily reports, records, and handovers are accurately maintained.

• Outdoor and indoor work in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Routine exposure to animal allergens, dust, noise, and biological materials.
• Manual handling, physical labour, and use of cleaning products and equipment.
• Working as part of a rota that includes weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.

• Good working knowledge of bird husbandry, including diet, behaviour, and welfare.
• Experience in a zoological or avicultural setting (professional or voluntary).
• Passion for conservation, animal welfare, and education.
• Patience and calm demeanour when working with animals
• Attention to detail and strong observational skills
• Ability to solve problems and adapt to changing needs
• Excellent communication and team working skills.
• Positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn and undertake training and professional development.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and carry out physically demanding tasks.
• Diploma or degree in Animal Management, Zoology, Conservation, or related field.
• Specific experience with exotic, endangered, or specialist avian species.
• Awareness of EAZA/BIAZA standards or similar frameworks.
• Experience delivering public talks or engaging with guests in a zoo/park setting.
• Basic understanding of enrichment and training principles.

Commitment to Birdworld’s values around animal welfare, inclusion, and sustainability.

This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may be amended or added based on the needs of the business.

• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing free and confidential counselling and advice to all employees and their immediate family
• Contributory pension scheme for eligible employees
• Generous Staff Discount Scheme after completion of probationary period