Apprenticeship Vacancy Details
Our Apprentice Keeper’s will play a key role working as part of our professional animal keeping teams, to ensure the highest standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibitory are maintained across the zoo.
Apply Now for Apprentice Keeper
Closing Date: 08-05-2026
Apprenticeship Summary
Wage
£16,640 a year
Working week
10 days in 14 including weekends and bank holidays, 7.00am to 4.00pm (birds) or 8.00am to 5.00pm (all other sections). 1 hour lunch.
Expected duration
2 Years
Possible start date
10-08-2026
Date posted
27-04-2026
Apprenticeship level
Advanced
Reference number
2000027962
Positions
10
What will the apprentice be doing?
Apprentice Keepers will form part of our animal keeping teams; there are 10 positions across mammals, birds and ectotherms.
Key responsibilities:
- To maintain excellent husbandry, health and welfare for species
- To understand/adhere to risk assessments and safe operating procedures.
- To promote our mission through interactions with our visitors on site.
- To understand all aspects of record keeping/report writing including husbandry, enrichment and diets.
What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?
- Level 3 Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Standard qualification
- The training will take place onsite at Chester Zoo, with an Assessor visiting every 6 weeks
What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?
- Keeper
- Conservation Education Officer
- Zoo Ranger
- Technical Assistant
Requirements and prospects
Desired skills and personal qualities
Communication skills IT skills Attention to detail Organisation skills Customer care skills Presentation skills Team working Initiative Time Management Willing to learn new skills Ability to work under pressure
Qualifications
GCSE English (Grade C/4 or above - Evidence Needed) Essential
GCSE Maths (Grade C/4 or above - Evidence Needed) Essential
Things to consider
This is a physical role and the role holder will spend a significant amount of time either outdoors or in temperature controlled environments. The roles will involve a range of manual tasks. No transport or accommodation can be provided by Chester Zoo. If no confirmed GCSE Maths and English added applications will be made unsuccessful regardless of if there is a degree showing, due to entry requirements for Apprenticeship. Any Maths and English qualifications will be asked to provide evidence if shortlisted. We cannot accept predicted Maths and English grades. Achieved qualifications closely related to Keeper and aquarist Level 3 will need to be cross checked for eligibility to ensure new skills and knowledge would be delivered. Please also add detail of any pathways taken within Animal Management qualifications. All animal/zoo related qualifications must be declared, failure to do so could result in your application being withdrawn. If we are interested in taking your application further, you will receive an email from a Derby College email address (apprenticeships@derby-college.ac.uk). Please make sure to check your Inbox as well as your Spam/Junk folders, to avoid missing out on this opportunity. Failure to respond to emails will lead to withdrawal of your application. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early due to the number of applicants so please be sure to apply promptly, previously the vacancy has been closed after 10 days.
About the employer
We are Chester Zoo and we are mission motivated, passionate people, working together to be the best. We opened in 1931 by founder, George Mottershead who wanted to create the first UK zoo without bars. We are home to over 37,000 animals across our 128 acre site and have over 2 million visitors a year. Our mission is to prevent extinction; it’s a bold statement but we are confident that by working together and with our partners we can make a difference to wildlife here in the UK and the world.
Employer
Chester Zoo
www.chesterzoo.org
Address
The North of England Zoological
Society
Cedar House
Chester Zoo
Training
Training provider
DCG
Contact
DCG
Apprenticeship Advanced
Keeper and aquarist (level 3)
