Jobs at Fota Wildlife Park

Jobs

Fota Wildlife Park a not-for-profit organisation, is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, and is located on 100 acres at Fota Island 10km east of Cork City. With an annual attendance of 430,000 visitors, our vision is to inspire people to understand and conserve the biodiversity of our natural world. The Park’s core values of conservation, education and research have ensured that we are uniquely placed to foster greater public understanding of the threats to plant and animal habitats and decreasing global biodiversity.

Fota Wildlife Park has made considerable investment in the past 10 years upgrading its infrastructure including an indoor Giraffe viewing area, the Madagascan Village and the Asian Sanctuary which opened in 2015 and features Asian lions, Sumatran tigers, and Indian rhino.

Fota Wildlife Park is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for team members who share those same values.

Current open vacancies - 

  • Lead Ranger - Primates
  • General Operative - Permanent full-time position
  • Ranger - with aquarist skills

 

Lead Ranger – Primates

The Opportunity

This is a senior animal care role with responsibility for the day-to-day management and welfare of Fota’s primate collection. Reporting to the Animal Care Manager and leading a team of Senior Rangers and Rangers, you will set the standard for primate husbandry at the Park and contribute to the broader animal care, conservation and education programmes.
We are looking for someone who brings genuine primate expertise, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to conservation, someone ready to make their mark in a dynamic, mission-driven organisation.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead and develop a team of animal care staff, maintaining high standards of welfare and husbandry across the primate section.
  • Work closely with veterinary staff on all aspects of animal health, preventative medicine, and species management.
  • Drive the operant conditioning and enrichment programmes, developing trained behaviours to an advanced level.
  • Develop and review SOPs and Safe Working Practices in line with best practice and zoo licensing requirements.
  • Contribute to zoo-based research, conservation education, and species and exhibit planning.
  • Represent Fota Wildlife Park with appropriate professional bodies including BIAZA and EAZA.
  • Assume Duty Lead Ranger responsibilities on a rota basis.

Who We're Looking For

  • Minimum eight to ten years of zoological animal management experience, with significant hands-on primate experience in a zoo setting.
  • DMZAA or equivalent qualification achieved or in the advanced stages of completion.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop an experienced animal care team.
  • Strong knowledge of modern zoo practice, animal welfare legislation, and zoo licensing standards.
  • Competent in animal handling and restraint, including potentially dangerous species.
  • Proficient in ZIMS, ZIMS Medical, and MS Office.
  • Holds a valid Irish Class B or equivalent driver’s licence.
  • Flexible to work weekends and some public holidays as part of a rota.
  • A BSc in an animal-related subject and knowledge of EAZA EEPs and BIAZA breeding programmes are desirable.

For a full job description please email [email protected] 

Applications only via our online form. PDF format will only be accepted due to IT security reasons.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 19th June 2026.

 

General Operative

(Permanent full-time position)

The Role:

An exciting opportunity has become available for a General Operative to join Fota Wildlife Park in a permanent full-time position. The ideal candidate will support the effective operation of Fota Wildlife Park by performing a range of general operative duties across the site. Under the direction of the Operations Manager and Supervisor, the General Operative plays a vital role in maintaining the park to a high standard, ensuring a safe, clean, and an enjoyable environment for all guests.

Key Responsibilities

  • Responsible for operating the park tour train, ensuring the safety and comfort of visitors while providing a pleasant visitor experience.
  • Responsible for performing mechanical weed control across park grounds to support effective vegetation management and ensure a well-maintained landscape.
  • Gathering browse and feed for the park animals on a daily basis.
  • Car park management during busy visitor periods.
  • Grass cutting and strimming to ensure that all outdoor areas are well-maintained and presentable.
  • Regular collection of litter to maintain cleanliness and uphold a tidy and welcoming environment in all areas.
  • Carry out the pruning and planting of trees and shrubs within the park to support healthy plant development.
  • Responsible for cleaning and tidying the park to ensure a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for all visitors.
  • Undertake light civil works as required throughout the park, including minor repair to support the upkeep and functionality of the park.
  • Collaborate effectively with fellow colleagues, Operations Supervisor, Operations Manager as well as all departments.
  • Comply with health and safety regulations, all policies, procedures and protocols
  • Collect general goods and materials off site when required.

Candidate requirements

  • Full clean driving licence.
  • B+E Licence required
  • Candidates must possess good interpersonal skills, communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
  • Previous experience would be an advantage but not essential.
  • The role is physical in nature and involves the use of machinery and vehicles.
  • Willingness to work weekends and bank holiday work.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Comfortable working in a public-facing setting.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive and may be subject to change. Additional duties may be assigned as required to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

Online applications - 

Fill out my online form.

 

Ranger – with aquarist skills

An exciting fulltime permanent position has arisen for a highly motivated individual as a Ranger within Fota Wildlife Park. The Ranger will work with the Lead Rangers, Senior Rangers and Rangers, and reports to the Lead Ranger. 

The Ranger will assist the Lead Ranger and Senior Ranger of their assigned section, with the implementation and evaluation of husbandry standards, enrichment, training, and health care for animals in that section. A strong work ethic and proven experience of operant conditioning and animal enrichment are required.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure the health, condition and behaviour of the animals are closely monitored and maintained to the highest standards, taking preventative or remedial action in liaison with the Senior Section staff as necessary, keeping all relevant records as required.
  • Aquatic Species Care:

    o   Provide expert care and husbandry for a wide variety of marine and freshwater species, ensuring their well-being, health, and enrichment.

    o   Maintain optimal water quality parameters and monitor aquatic environments.  Strong knowledge of water chemistry, filtration systems, and aquatic habitat maintenance

    o   Design and implement enrichment programs to promote the mental and physical well-being of aquatic species.

    o   Maintain clean and safe aquatic enclosures, including aquariums, tanks, and water filtration systems.

    o   Collaborate with the maintenance team for equipment repairs and improvements.

    o   Participate in the design, construction, and maintenance of exhibits and holding systems, including life support, lighting, and habitat.

  • Ensure up-to-date knowledge and understanding relevant to the section, utilising all available resources and making recommendations for change and improvement through the appropriate channels.
  • Work closely with the veterinary personnel regarding all aspects of animal health care, including assisting with the capture and restraint of all species and being involved with implementation of preventative medicine programmes as required.
  • Works with the Senior Section staff to develop the operant conditioning programme and can train to a level to include various completed behaviours.
  • Works with the Senior Section staff to develop the provision of enrichment to stimulate the animals physically and psychologically.
  • Ensure that Fota Wildlife Park’s policies and procedures are always followed and ensuring the correct adherence of Health and Safety compliant practices and where appropriate the implementation of new safe working practices with approval of senior line managers.
  • Work with Fota Wildlife Park’s Education Department to facilitate educational programs.
  • Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft software products as well as a working knowledge of ZIMS.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Has a substantial experience of zoological animal management, with at least four years relevant experience in a BIAZA/EAZA or similarly accredited facility.
  • Has achieved or is willing to work towards an appropriate animal related qualification (DMZAA or equivalent).
  • Possess a comprehensive understanding of Health & Safety as it applies in a zoological setting and be proficient in the use of IT systems including ZIMS.
  • This is a physically demanding position so candidates must have a good level of physical fitness.
  • Be fluent in both written and spoken English and where appropriate must have an approved permit to work in Ireland.
  • The role will require working alternate weekends (Saturdays & Sundays) and some public holidays.

 

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive list and may be subject to change. Additional duties may be assigned as required to meet the evolving needs of the organisation.

 

Closing date for applications is 22nd May 2026

Apply online via this form. PDF format will only be accepted due to IT security reasons.

Fill out my online form.