Department: Animal Displays Location: Pleasurewood Hills, Lowestoft, Suffolk Reporting to: Bird & Sea Lion Training Supervisor / Animal Displays Manager Working Pattern: 4 days per week (usually Thursday–Sunday, with some flexibility required) Start Date: To be confirmed Salary: In line with experience and company pay structure

 

1. Job Purpose

 

To provide high standards of daily care, husbandry and training for a variety of bird species (including parrots, owls and others) and California sea lions, while delivering engaging, educational displays to the public during the park’s open season.

 

The role combines hands-on animal care with public presentation, microphone work and occasional outreach visits, contributing to the park’s animal welfare, education and guest experience objectives.

 

2. Key Responsibilities

 

Animal Husbandry & Welfare

· Provide daily care for all animals on the section, including birds and California sea lions.

· Carry out feeding, cleaning, enclosure maintenance and environmental enrichment.

· Monitor animal health and behaviour, reporting any concerns promptly.

· Ensure all enclosures and working areas meet high standards of cleanliness, safety and welfare.

 

Animal Training & Behaviour

· Participate in training programmes for birds and sea lions, with a focus on bird training and display behaviours.

· Implement agreed training plans using appropriate positive reinforcement methods.

· Assist in maintaining accurate records of training sessions, progress and behavioural observations.

· Contribute ideas for enrichment and behavioural development.

Displays & Public Presentations

· Take an active role in daily bird and sea lion displays, including:

o Presenting to audiences using a microphone.

o Handling and flying birds where appropriate.

o Supporting sea lion presentations as required.

· Deliver engaging, accurate and educational commentary tailored to a family audience.

· Assist with show preparation, set-up and pack-down, ensuring all equipment is safe and presentable.

 

Guest Interaction & Outreach

· Engage positively with guests, answering questions and promoting key messages about welfare, conservation and responsible behaviour around animals.

· Participate in off-site visits and outreach programmes representing the park and the animal displays team.

· Maintain a professional and approachable manner at all times.

 

Health, Safety & Compliance

· Follow all health and safety procedures, especially when working near water, at height or with potentially hazardous equipment.

· Use appropriate PPE and safe manual-handling techniques.

· Adhere to all animal welfare legislation, industry standards and internal policies.

· Report accidents, incidents, near-misses and hazards in line with company procedures.

 

3. Person Specification

 

Essential

· Excellent communication skills with the confidence to interact with the public.

· Previous paid animal keeper experience in a similar environment or completion of a recognised keeper internship programme.

· Previous hands-on experience working with birds.

· Relevant animal-related qualification (e.g. DMZAA or equivalent).

· Enthusiastic, physically fit and reliable, with the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

· Keen eye for detail and high standards of cleanliness and presentation.

· Full, clean driving licence.

· Ability to work regular weekends and during the park’s open season.

 

Desirable

· Previous experience in public speaking, stage work or microphone presentations.

· Experience working with pinnipeds (e.g. sea lions).

· Experience delivering educational talks or demonstrations.

· Knowledge of animal training and enrichment principles.

· First aid qualification.

 

4. Working Relationships

 

· Report to the Bird & Sea Lion Training Supervisor / Animal Displays Manager.

· Work closely with other keepers, trainers, presenters and park staff.

· Liaise with maintenance, veterinary support and guest services as needed.

· Represent the department during outreach visits, events and educational sessions.

 

5. Additional Information

 

· The role involves working weekends, bank holidays and during peak visitor periods.

· Uniform and necessary PPE will be provided.

· Ongoing training and development opportunities may be offered in line with business needs.

· All offers of employment are subject to the company’s standard pre-employment checks and proof of right to work in the UK. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis during the advertising period.

 

 

6. How to Apply

 

Please send your CV and cover letter to reception@pleasurewoodhills.com marked for the attention of Dean Gudgeon.

 

Closing date for applications is 20th January 2026.

 

We will be conducting interviews for this position throughout the advertising period, therefore we would encourage applicants to submit their details as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Department: Animal Displays Location: Pleasurewood Hills Reporting to: Bird & Sea Lion Training Supervisor Duration: 8-month Internship (Voluntary) Working Pattern: 5 days per week (including weekends and bank holidays as required) Start Date: March 2026 Stipend: Up to £150 per month (expenses-based)

 

1. Job Purpose

 

To support the Bird & Sea Lion Display Department in the daily care, husbandry, training and presentation of a variety of animal species — including birds, small mammals and pinnipeds.

 

The internship provides hands-on experience in animal care, enrichment, behaviour observation, public presentations and wildlife research within a zoo display environment.

 

The role is suitable for students or early-career individuals pursuing a future career in animal husbandry, zookeeping, conservation or animal training.

 

2. Key Responsibilities

 

Animal Husbandry & Welfare

· Assist in the daily care of birds, small mammals and sea lions under supervision.

· Support feeding, cleaning, enclosure maintenance and enrichment activities.

· Assist with animal health monitoring and basic welfare assessments.

· Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across all areas.

 

Animal Training & Behaviour

· Participate in daily training sessions using positive reinforcement techniques.

· Support the recording of training progress, behavioural observations and enrichment outcomes.

· Follow all safety protocols and instructions from experienced trainers.

 

Guest Experience & Public Presentations

· Assist with the set-up, delivery and pack-down of daily bird and sea lion displays.

· Participate in microphone-led presentations and guest interactions (training provided).

· Engage with visitors professionally, answering questions and supporting educational messaging.

· Uphold the park’s values for safety, education and animal welfare.

 

Research, Conservation & Outreach

· Participate in native wildlife surveys, monitoring projects and research tasks.

· Support off-site visits and outreach programmes representing the department.

· Assist with data collection and reporting.

 

Workshops & Professional Development

· Attend monthly workshops covering:

o Animal training

o Enrichment

o Behaviour

o Veterinary husbandry

o Conservation topics

· Complete assigned learning tasks and contribute to continuous improvement.

 

Health, Safety & Compliance

· Adhere to all safety procedures relating to working near water, at height and around animals.

· Use required PPE and follow manual handling guidance.

· Report hazards, accidents or welfare concerns promptly.

 

3. Person Specification

 

Essential

· Aged 18 or over.

· Enrolled on or completed a related course (e.g. animal management, zoology, marine biology, conservation, animal behaviour) or equivalent demonstrable interest in the field.

· Passion and commitment to animal welfare, enrichment and conservation.

· Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

· Reliable, enthusiastic and able to work as part of a team.

· Good communication skills, with confidence developing public-speaking skills.

 

Desirable

· Previous experience working with animals (voluntary or paid).

· Customer service or public-facing experience.

· Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.

· Knowledge of basic animal behaviour or training principles.

· Full UK driving licence.

 

4. Development & Support

 

· Full supervision from experienced animal trainers.

· Opportunities to develop practical zookeeping, training and presentation skills.

· Real-world experience suitable for CVs and future applications to animal roles.

· Exposure to conservation initiatives and wildlife research.

 

5. Additional Information

 

· This is a voluntary internship with a monthly expenses-based stipend (up to £150).

· Uniform and PPE will be provided.

· Successful applicants must have the right to volunteer in the UK.

· Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis during the advertising period

 

 

6. How to Apply

 

Please send your CV and cover letter to reception@pleasurewoodhills.com marked for the attention of Dean Gudgeon.

 

Closing date for applications is 20th January 2026.

 

We will be conducting interviews for this position throughout the advertising period, therefore we would encourage applicants to submit their details as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.