Jobs at the Zoo

Vacancy - Education Officer (part time)

Permanent part time

24hrs per week across 3 days out of 5 (Monday - Friday and must include Wednesdays)
£12.52 per hour (subject to pay increase in April)

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Job Profile
 

Northumberland Zoo is a major animal attraction and wildlife conservation centre, in the Northeast of England, with conservation, education and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. With the addition of numerous new animal exhibits and zoo facilities in the past few years, our future is looking bright with ambitious plans for further development. We are a family-run, not-for-profit zoo and we are looking for a like-minded team player to join our education team 3 days per week (weekdays only but may include occasional events outside of normal working hours).

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Alongside our growing animal collection, we have ambitious plans to develop our conservation education facilities, including a brand-new education and events centre in the future. This along with our current indoor animal display area, the Wild Theatre, as well as numerous outside learning areas will provide a fantastic opportunity for conservation education at Northumberland Zoo.

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Within our Education Policy, we are aiming to change the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the public to ensure that everyone shares the same message of sustainability and conservation.  We follow the national curriculum for science and work with educators to ensure our workshops meet curricular aims including SEND provision. The Education Officer will report to the Education Manager, supporting them in the development and delivery of the conservation education mission and goals.

 

Main Duties and Job Responsibilities
 

Working closely with our Education Manger to achieve the following:
 

• Following our education strategy that is in-line with our zoo’s mission and education curricular aims

• Designing planning and delivering education activities to a range of audiences matching lesson objectives and plans to curricular aims, liaising with educators and adapting as required to meet the needs of the audience

• Assisting in the designing and creating of bespoke high-quality resources that are aligned to the learning outcomes for the school/organisation

• Liaising with educators providing advice and guidance on workshop content, pricing structure and logistics for their visit

• Assisting with education administration (invoices, tracking metrics, payments, visit and student numbers) as well as evaluation of education programmes

• Meeting and greeting schools on arrival and being the key point of contact during the day of their visit.

• Maintaining and developing the on-site education facilities

• Working alongside the Visitor Engagement Volunteers to further increase the zoo’s education output

• Strict adherence to risk assessments, biosecurity, safe working practices and maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding

• Annual CPD to include keeping up to date with policies, curriculum changes, BIAZA regional education activities and EAZA education resources

• Representing the zoo during all educational activities and external conferences

 

Skills and Experience
 

• At least 2 years of experience working with and supporting children in an education capacity, being inclusive of all learning and communication needs

• Professional education work experience, working within a zoo environment would be advantageous

• Must have a keen interest in conservation of biodiversity with a focus on conservation education

• Be qualified in an appropriate education or zoo related discipline

• Able to work as part of a small team and independently

• Must be confident inclusive and approachable when communicating with people and have excellent presentation skills for a variety of audiences

• Strong communication skills for effective interaction both within the working team and with visitors and external partners

• Excellent planning skills and the ability to manage and be flexible with a variety of work

• An enthusiastic and driven approach to conservation education with a keen interest and strong understanding of wildlife conservation, biodiversity and sustainability

• Be IT literate and have the ability to organise, prioritise and develop education programmes with a good working knowledge of digital resources

• Experience in fundraising, grant finding and engagement with donors would be an advantage

• Ability to obtain a DBS check

• Full driver's licence and access to vehicle required due to rural setting of zoo

• Be willing to work outdoors in a range of conditions

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General and Benefits

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• 24 hrs per week across 3 days out of 5 (Monday – Friday and must include Wednesdays)

• 28 days holiday per annum pro rata (includes Bank Holidays) increasing by 1 day each year after 12 months employment to a maximum of 33 days pro rata

• Enrolment in pension scheme with employer contributions of 3%

• £5 daily food allowance in the zoo café and discount in zoo shop

• Complimentary Zoo admission tickets for family and friends

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To apply, please send your CV and covering letter describing how you will be suitable to the role to Lucy Edwards by Sunday 15th Feb 2026 l.edwards@northumberlandzoo.co.uk

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Vacancy - Retail Manager

 

Permanent Full Time 40hrs per week, 5 days out of 7 on a rota including Bank Holidays and Weekends
£29,500 per annum

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Job Profile

 

Northumberland Zoo is an up-and-coming animal attraction in the North East of England. We are a family-run, not-for-profit zoo and we are looking for like-minded team players to join our ever-expanding team; you must be willing to adopt our Zoo ethos and join our mission in conservation & sustainability education in Northumberland.

 

Our Zoo Gift shop is one of the most important sources of income to help support our daily husbandry costs and development. The Retail Manager is tasked with assisting with the development of the retail offering, including buying, merchandising & new product development.

 

This is a hands-on position where the manager is expected to lead by example and work in the shop along with the other team members.

 

Main Duties 

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• Managing the day to day running of the gift shop, ensuring stock is replenished and ensuring the highest standards of merchandising and presentation within retail display areas; whilst also monitoring and minimising wastage, theft and damages

• Responsibility for training, leading and managing the retail team to ensure an exceptional customer service. Carrying out staff appraisals and performance reviews

• Using the EPOS system to aid the smooth running of the shop

• Looking after staffing requirements including scheduling Staff on the Customer Service rota

• Develop, implement and imbed stock control procedures, which are consistent and structured to maintain an accurate stock count and valuation at all times.

• Working with the directors to identify potential ranges and products that are ethically sourced, environmentally friendly and sustainable to meet visitor expectations and maximise secondary spend opportunities

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Job Responsibilities

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• Assist with recruitment, training, scheduling and co-ordinating staff, including undertaking Gift Shop team performance reviews throughout the year

• Responsible for managing the shop inventory; this includes inventory selection, control and  loss management

• Be proficient in the use of EPOS, adding and subtracting stock, including new lines as and when required

• Ensuring all retail merchandise is clearly priced and labelled; and that all retail promotions, marketing material and admission prices are clearly displayed.

• To ensure that all retail and admissions staff are trained in the use of our EPOS system.

• Analyse and interpret sales and stock data from EPOS and use to optimise income opportunities

• To ensure that all recording, financial, and administrative activities are carried out, including cash-handling and accounting processes

• Cashing up and reconciling at the end of the day

• Understand retail trends and perform regular competitor audits to ensure our offering remains relevant and attractive to our audiences

• Oversee opening and closing procedures

• Facilitate relationships between the Zoo and its suppliers/vendors

• Function as Duty Manager as needed

• Support the Directors by performing other duties as assigned

• Support the Directors in the development of a retail strategy and buying policy

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Skills and Experience
 

• Retail Management: 2 years (required) in a similar role

• Be able to use a computer and main software packages competently

• Clear confident and motivational communicator with excellent verbal listening and written communication skills

• Ability to interact with and positively influence others to contribute to organisational effectiveness

• Able to lead and motivate personnel to meet Zoo objectives

• Capable of working independently with little supervision

• Must be hands on and be able to do any task that is needed to be performed

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General and Benefits

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• £29,500 per annum

• 40hrs per week, 5 days out of 7 on a rota including bank holidays and weekends

• Hours, Winter 8am – 4.30pm, Summer 9am – 5.30pm (30 mins unpaid lunch)

• 28 days holiday per full 12 months (includes bank holidays) increasing by 1 day each year after 12 months employment, to a max of 33

• Nest Pension Scheme (3% employer contributions)

• £5 daily food allowance

• Complimentary zoo admission tickets

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To apply, please send an up to date CV and covering letter detailing how your skills and experience match what we are looking for to jane@northumberlandzoo.co.uk on or before Sunday 15th Feb 2026 

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Vacancy - Animal Keeper 

 

40 hrs per week across 5 days, includes weekends and bank holidays

£12.52 per hour (subject to pay increase in April)

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​Job Profile
 

Northumberland Zoo is a major animal attraction and wildlife conservation centre, in the Northeast of England. With the addition of numerous brand-new exhibits in the past few years, our future is looking bright with ambitious plans for expansion, including several new species in the first phase in 2026. We are a family-run, not-for-profit zoo and we are looking for a like-minded team player to join our team; you must be willing to adopt our Zoo ethos and join our mission in conservation, education & sustainability to inspire positive change.

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We have an exciting opportunity for an Animal Keeper to join our team. The animal department is currently split into 7 sections, but is soon to expand with the arrival of new species. We have a range of species from large carnivores and small mammals to hoof stock and herptiles and also an animal display featuring birds of prey and more. This role will have the opportunity to work across multiple sections, dependent on experience. You will work alongside the animal team to ensure the highest possible standards of animal husbandry, including behavioural and environmental enrichment and animal training programmes. You will be responsible for the development of animal exhibits to promote natural behaviour and top-quality presentation, also, educational opportunities for zoo visitors in line with the zoo’s missions of conservation, education and sustainability.

 

Main Duties and Job Responsibilities
 

• Day to day husbandry routines for various species including health and welfare monitoring

• Researching and implementing behavioural and environmental enrichment opportunities for various species

• Refurbishing and maintaining exhibits with species specific suitability in mind to promote natural behaviour and ensuring high standards of presentation for zoo visitors

• Strict adherence to risk assessments, biosecurity and safe working practices.

• Taking ownership for the presentation of the wider zoo site by maintaining high standards of presentation with a positive attitude and professional manner

• Carrying out animal experiences, talks, displays and occasionally assisting the education department in planning and carrying out education session to school groups and visitors ensuring the zoos mission messages are being delivered. This may also include zoo events

 

Skills and Experience

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• At least 2 years professional zoo work experience working with animals in a zoo environment

• Be qualified in an appropriate captive wild animal husbandry, biological or conservation discipline

• Must have high animal welfare standards with regards to the care and daily husbandry routines

• Experience implementing animal enrichment programmes with behavioural output in mind

• Have great observational skills when working with the animals in the park, understanding animal behaviour and the ability to keep accurate records relating to animal welfare

• Be confident in presenting engaging, educational messages to audiences

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General and Benefits

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• Full driver's licence and access to vehicle required due to rural setting of zoo

• Have great team working and communication skills and adaptability to suit the needs of the role

• Be able to work effectively and with minimum supervision within a timely manner

• Have strong interpersonal skills and be confident to interact with the public

• Be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weathers

• Take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills

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• £12.52 per hour (subject to pay increase in April)

• 40 hrs per week across 5 days, includes weekends and bank holidays

• 28 days holiday per annum (includes Bank Holidays) increasing by 1 day each year after 12 months employment to a maximum of 33 days

• Enrolment in pension scheme with employer contributions of 3%

• £5 daily food allowance in the zoo café and discount in zoo shop

• Complimentary Zoo admission tickets for family and friends

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To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Hannah Webb, Head Keeper by Sunday 22nd Feb 2026 
h.webb@northumberlandzoo.co.uk 

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Vacancy - Animal Keeper (Herptiles and Nocturnal Mammals)

 

40 hrs per week across 5 days, includes weekends and bank holidays

£12.52 per hour (subject to pay increase in April)

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​Job Profile
 

Northumberland Zoo is a major animal attraction and wildlife conservation centre, in the Northeast of England. With the addition of numerous brand-new exhibits in the past few years, including our highly recognised Livingstone’s fruit bat enclosure, our future is looking bright with ambitious plans for growth including several new species. We are a family-run, not-for-profit zoo and we are looking for a like-minded team player to join our team; you must be willing to adopt our Zoo ethos and join our mission in conservation, education & sustainability to inspire positive change.

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We have an exciting opportunity for an Animal Keeper to join our team with a focus on herptiles and nocturnal mammals on our Twilight section. This includes fruit bats, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, naked mole rats, Vositse and other nocturnal mammals. The animal department is currently split into 7 sections, and this role will also have the opportunity to work on other sections, dependent on experience. You will work alongside the animal team to ensure the highest possible standards of animal husbandry, including behavioural and environmental enrichment and animal training programmes. You will be responsible for the development of animal exhibits to promote natural behaviour and top-quality presentation, also, educational opportunities for zoo visitors in line with the zoo’s missions of conservation, education and sustainability.

 

Main Duties and Job Responsibilities
 

• Day to day husbandry routines for various species including health and welfare monitoring, with a focus on the Twilight section described above

• Researching and implementing behavioural and environmental enrichment opportunities for various species

• Refurbishing and maintaining exhibits with species specific suitability in mind to promote natural behaviour and ensuring high standards of presentation for zoo visitors

• Strict adherence to risk assessments, bio security and safe working practices.

• Taking ownership for the presentation of the wider zoo site by maintaining high standards of presentation with a positive attitude and professional manner

• Carrying out animal experiences, talks, displays and occasionally assisting the education department in planning and carrying out education session to school groups and visitors ensuring the zoos mission messages are being delivered. This may also include zoo events

 

Skills and Experience

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• At least 2 years professional zoo work experience working with animals, including herptiles, in a zoo environment

• Be qualified in an appropriate captive wild animal husbandry, biological or conservation discipline

• Must have high animal welfare standards with regards to the care and daily husbandry routines

• Experience implementing animal enrichment programmes with behavioural output in mind

• Have great observational skills when working with the animals in the park, understanding animal behaviour and the ability to keep accurate records relating to animal welfare

• Be confident in presenting engaging, educational messages to audiences

​

General and Benefits

​

• Full driver's licence and access to vehicle required due to rural setting of zoo

• Have great team working and communication skills and adaptability to suit the needs of the role

• Be able to work effectively and with minimum supervision within a timely manner

• Have strong interpersonal skills and be confident to interact with the public

• Be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weathers

• Take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills

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• £12.52 per hour (subject to pay increase in April)

• 40 hrs per week across 5 days, includes weekends and bank holidays

• 28 days holiday per annum (includes Bank Holidays) increasing by 1 day each year after 12 months employment to a maximum of 33 days

• Enrolment in pension scheme with employer contributions of 3%

• £5 daily food allowance in the zoo café and discount in zoo shop

• Complimentary Zoo admission tickets for family and friends

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To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Hannah Webb, Head Keeper by Sunday 22nd Feb 2026 
h.webb@northumberlandzoo.co.uk 

 

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