Chester Zoo has a keeper job vacancy - and you could look after giraffes and zebras

You could be Chester Zoo's next lead keeper.

The world-famous zoo is now looking for a lead keeper in the Hoofstock department - a job that will involve caring for an array of animals including zebras, rhinos and giraffes.

You'll be working with several other keepers to care for the animals, and will oversee the work of students and volunteers too.

As the lead keeper, you'll be expected to represent Chester Zoo in media interviews, meetings and at conferences. Some conferences will be based in international locations, so travel could be a perk of the job.

The job may include some international travel.

The ideal candidate

The zoo is on the hunt for a candidate with a passion for animals, as well as conservation and extinction prevention - something the zoo is heavily involved in.

You'll also have to have certain qualifications, including either a degree-level qualification in zoological related science, a Higher National Diploma (HND), or equivalent experience.

Applicants will be expected to have extensive knowledge in the field of animal husbandry, alongside previous experience working in a safari park or zoo setting.

The successful applicant must have a passion for animals and conservation.

As well as qualifications, the zoo is looking for someone with good organisational skills, team-work abilities, leadership skills and problem-solving expertise. The successful applicant must have a passion for animals and conservation.

You'll also have to be open minded when it comes to thinking up and implementing new ideas for the department, with understanding of how risk assessments work. Applicants must hold a full UK driving license.

How to apply

Other than getting to work with some seriously cute animals, some of the job perks include free tickets to the zoo, free bus travel to and from the zoo, a discounted gym pass and 33 days of paid holiday.

The successful applicant will work 40 hours per week, 10 out of 14 days in a fortnight. This includes bank holidays and weekends. The starting salary is £24,142.75 per annum.

The role will be open until 10 March 2020. You can see a full job description and apply here.