Zoo Keeper - Herptiles

Zoo Keeper - Herptiles

💰Salary: Up to £25,335 per annum (dependent upon qualifications, skills and experience) 

🕒Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) 

📋Contract: Fixed Term - 31st July 2027

📍Location: Sparsholt Campus, Winchester 

📅Closing Date: 23rd June 2026

✨ We are seeking sabbatical cover for our Herptile and invertebrate section beginning as soon as August 2026.

The AHWRC is a leading practical teaching facility that holds a zoo licence and is BIAZA accredited.

The post holder will work under the direction of the Head of Zoo to help ensure the husbandry and care of the species housed on the herptile section are of the highest standard, and to enhance delivery of practical training to groups of students. 

The section currently houses a significant teaching collection of herptiles and invertebrates, totalling over 100 species. These include many species of conservation importance, for which the AHWRC participates in active breeding programs and EEP’s. 

The Section has achieved many notable breeding successes such as the Emerald Tree Monitor, and has helped develop many species husbandry guidelines, such as the Kaiser’s Newt. As a herptile keeper you would be encouraged to have input into these areas.

You would also be joining the team at an exciting time of change for the herptile section and would have input into the redevelopment of the new herptile rooms.

The post holder will: 🦎

• Be responsible for the day-to-day husbandry of a range of herptiles and invertebrates. Due to plans to increase and diversify the species housed on the section, a desire to learn and implement new husbandry and care techniques is essential.

• Work closely with other AHWRC staff to ensure high standards of animal husbandry. This will be achieved through demonstration of daily cleaning routines and training and supervision of students in practical husbandry sessions.

• Instil correct best practice in students and provide engaging and interactive learner experience.

Candidates should be educated to at least Level 2 in a relevant vocational subject and be able to demonstrate significant professional experience working with a range of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

A positive and flexible approach to a varied workload, real enthusiasm for the animals you work with, and an affinity for working with young learners are required. 

Some educational or supervisory experience would be advantageous. The role entails weekend and Bank Holiday working on a rota basis. On-site accommodation in a shared house may be available.

Why Join Us? 🌱

At Sparsholt College, you’ll work within a stunning rural campus set in beautiful Hampshire countryside. With open green spaces, specialist land-based facilities and a peaceful natural setting, Sparsholt offers an inspiring environment to build your career. 

You’ll benefit from:

- A friendly, collaborative team that values efficiency, communication and shared success

- A peaceful, spacious campus setting

- A role with real impact, helping students achieve their qualifications and progress to the next stage of their education or career 

College Benefits: 🎓

• Eligibility to join a defined Pension Scheme  

• Free on-site parking 

• Occupational Sick Pay & Maternity Pay schemes 

• Flexible Working Policy 

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme 

• Free on-campus gym at Sparsholt Campus 

• Opportunity to purchase Sparsholt-grown produce: plants, fresh fruit & veg, fish, and game 

• Discounted hair treatments at the Andover campus salon 

• Wide range of CPD events, plus support with professional qualifications 

🌈Join us in making a difference! 

Make a real difference every day – help students grow, thrive, and reach their potential! 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.