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We're ZSL (Zoological Society of London), an international conservation charity driven by science, working every day to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world.  

Welcome to ZSL. By embarking on a career with us, you'll be joining a dedicated community of people working to restore wildlife. 

ZSL not only has two amazing Zoos in London and Whipsnade, but is a world-leading scientific, conservation and educational charity and a place where our passion for wildlife influences everything we do. Steeped in history, ZSL is nearly 200 years old and paved the way for modern animal knowledge with Charles Darwin and David Attenborough amongst our most prestigious ZSL Fellows.  

Find out more about our impact

  • A pangolin searches for ants.
    Our Priorities

    Protecting Species

    From lab to field, hands on and behind the scenes, we’re working at the cutting-edge of conservation identifying species most at risk and creating practical routes to recovery.

  • Man planting mangrove sapling in the Philippines
    Our Priorities

    Restoring Ecosystems

    Deepening understanding and knowledge of the living world through scientific research, and acting now to reduce disease and decline while empowering a healthier future for wildlife, people and the planet.

  • Local people practicing Sustainable Fishing in a Locally Managed Marine Area
    Our Priorities

    Living with Wildlife

    Collaborating with communities big and small, on the ground and around the world, to work with our living world and help people and wildlife live better together.

  • Gorilla at London Zoo Gorilla Kingdom
    Our Priorities

    Inspiring Change

    Bringing people closer to nature, inspiring love and care for wildlife at all levels and growing a movement of conservationists for the living world.

  • Wildlife conservation

Wildlife jobs

Our scientists in the laboratory and field, animal management teams at both zoos and our veterinarians, contribute multi-faceted skills and experience to both practical conservation and the scientific research that underpins this work. You're in good hands with us, with opportunities to learn and collaborate at every turn.

We are committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment. We apply policies that are determined solely by job criteria and personal ability.

Zookeeper on green background

View our current vacancies 

More information on kickstarting your ZSL career

  • zookeeper_feeding_giraffe_at_zoo
    Work with us

    How to become a Zookeeper

    Our Zookeepers' passion for their job and their animals, is unmeasurable. By joining our friendly team, you are entering a community of caring and fascinating individuals.

  • two_vets_ultrasound_zebra
    Work with us

    How to become a Veterinarian

    Our Zookeepers' passion for their job and their animals, is unmeasurable. By joining our friendly team, you are entering a community of caring and fascinating individuals.

  • ZSL conservationist in the field holding radio tracker
    Work with us

    How to become a Conservationist

    By entering into a career path in conservation, no matter what level of role you enter into, you will be working in a valuable and rewarding job restoring and protecting all facets of the natural world, worldwide.

  • Volunteer smiling at London Zoo
    Join us

    How to become a Volunteer

    There are many ways that you can give your time to support us and help us achieve our vision of a world where wildlife thrives.

  • Junior zoo learning programme group photo
    Work with us

    Apprenticeship and Work Experience Opportunities

    Whether it's a love of wildlife that makes you tick, or a passion to work in a multi-faceted global charity, one of our Apprenticeships could be just the thing to kick-start your career path.

  • soap_box_scientist_on_thames_with_members_of_public_interacting_with_display
    Work with us

    Diversity and Inclusion

    At ZSL we are committed to celebrating diversity and difference by building a culture of inclusivity.

  • fish eggs
    A unique opportunity to study species and their biology

    Zoological Research Opportunities

    ZSL conducts, encourages and facilitates scientific research that will assist in advancing the ZSL Vision and Purpose.

  • Current Vacancies

Benefits on offer

“Work Your Way”: We empower people to work from where they work best. We believe work is something we do and not a place we go. Our offices have become important places for collaboration and social connection but are no longer our main place of work.

Throughout your ZSL career, you'll have access to a blended program of Wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme as well as regular webinars and activities around mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. The opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to improving diversity and inclusion.

Other benefits for our UK-based staff include:

  •  25 days paid annual leave

  • Life assurance

  • A generous stakeholder pension (employer contribution is matched up to 12%)

  • A regular allocation of complimentary zoo tickets

  • 30% discount in our shops and online

  • A subsidised canteen offering a variety of delicious light and more hearty meals

  • Enhanced paternity and maternity leave

  • Season ticket loan

  • Cycle to work scheme

  • Subsidised gym membership

  • Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities, and ZSL's historic library.

Ultimately, by choosing to join us in any role, you’ll be helping us to inspire, inform and empower people, and to stop wildlife going extinct. 

Important information for applicants

Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, we are required to check that anyone taking up employment with us has the legal right to work in the UK.

All shortlisted candidates will therefore be asked to provide documentary proof of this during the interview process and we will be required to take a copy of the successful candidates’ documents before the work commences.

Please note, If you do have the right to work in the UK, we would only be able to apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship from the UK Border Agency if we can show we have met the Resident Labour Market Test and you are able to meet the required points needed under the new points-based system.


More Information on the UK Border Agency Website
 

Beware of scams. ZSL will never ask for payment or charge for job applications.

ZSL is committed to making our recruitment practices as barrier-free and accessible as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the application or interview process, please contact our Recruitment team at HumanResources@zsl.org or on 0344 225 1826.

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