Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 3 is the most recognised.
Typical pay: £21,000 to £28,000Level 3 most recognisedOpen entry
Pay range: National Careers Service.
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
1
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 3)
Any of these strengthens your application.
2
Where this can take you
In larger zoos, wildlife parks or aquariums, you could progress from keeper to team leader or head keeper. You might need to relocate to another part of the country to advance to senior positions, as competition for jobs can be strong. With experience and a degree, you could become a collections curator. You could also move into conservation education, breeding programmes or research.