Keeper and aquarist

Level

Advanced · like A-levels

Length

2 yrs

typical

Sector

Agriculture, environmental and animal care

Pay

Paid

you earn while training

In a nutshell

Responsible for the everyday care and husbandry of the animals within the collection.

Prepare and distribute daily food for animals in your section

Observe animals regularly and record any changes in health or behaviour

Clean and maintain animal enclosures to strict hygiene standards

Design and introduce enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviours

Deliver keeper talks and engagement sessions to zoo visitors

Assist veterinary staff with health checks, treatments, and procedures

Contribute data to national and international species management records

Animal behaviour, biology, and the welfare needs of different species

Safe handling and restraint techniques for the animals in your collection

Nutrition requirements and how to prepare appropriate diets

Habitat design and how to create effective environmental enrichment

Record-keeping for studbook and national collection data

Zoo legislation including Dangerous Wild Animals Act requirements

Conservation education and communicating with the visiting public

Ready to look for a place?

See live Keeper and aquarist apprenticeship vacancies on the official government service.

A Careermash concept · apprenticeship standard from our careers engine · vacancies via gov.uk.