Tilgate Park Zookeeper

Crawley Borough Council

Crawley

On-Site

Expires: Expiring in less than 3 weeks

Full time

£30,292 - £32,999 per year

Reference: NHS417
Division: Community Services
Salary: £30,292.00 - £32,999.00 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Posted on: 21 October 2026
Interview date:18 November 2026
Extra payment(s): 14% weekend work allowance

Positions: 1
Category: Community and streets
Grade: D - E
Working hours: 37 per week
Closing date: 08 November 2026
Location: Tilgate Park, Crawley
Location type: Onsite

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About the role

Tilgate Zoo is located in Tilgate Park, a top tourist attraction. Here, we have an exciting opportunity for a zookeeper with maintenance experience at Tilgate Zoo where we are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate individual to join our team.

As part of a dynamic team caring for a collection of over 70 species (mammals, birds and ectotherms) you will be involved in many aspects of the zoo operation, from visitor experience and enclosure design, through to animal welfare and conservation. However, there will be a particular focus on maintenance and grounds care with a roughly 2/3day split across these activities.

You will be a highly motivated and knowledgeable individual who ideally holds a Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or equivalent qualification. However, practical skills and experience with hand and powertools would be looked on favourably.

As a small collection, you will be working with a range of domestic and exotic species (including farm stock, lemur and squirrel monkeys, small cats, parrots, porcupines etc.) in supporting the highest standards of animal husbandry. And as part of your role, you will be involved in woodwork, fence maintenance, general repairs, painting and woodstaining, gardening and grounds maintenance. In all these activities you will be upholding the highest standards of health and safety.

You will work as part of a small team of dedicated colleagues reporting to the Senior Zookeeper and Zoo Manager.

Additional information

The post includes weekend work, though a working pattern will be discussed at interview.

For all posts, evening, weekend, Bank Holidays and ‘rest day’ working may be required to cover essential services for which you will be paid a 14% enhancement.

A full and current UK driving licence will be a requirement of the role.

Satisfactory clearance of a Basic Disclosure and Barring Check (DBS) will be a condition of your employment.

Employee benefits

We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

At Crawley Borough Council, you will have access to a structured programme of learning from day one, designed to help you succeed in your role and grow your career.

Local government reorganisation

Local government reorganisation (LGR) is planned across Sussex, with new unitary authorities expected by 2028. While this represents a significant change for councils, most roles will continue to focus on delivering vital services to our residents and business communities. As the future structure evolves, our name may change, but our commitment to providing excellent services and supporting our employees will not. Joining us now means being part of a dedicated team during an important and evolving time for local government.

Our way of working

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Safer recruitment

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

How to apply

Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form.

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email sam.whitbread@crawley.gov.uk, Zoo Manager, or call on 07350 438397.

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible, as we may close this advert before the stated closing date if enough applications are received.