Apprenticeship as a Wildlife Caretaker EFZ Wild Animals (Initial Training)

About the job

The Natur- und Tierpark Goldau annually delights around 450,000 visitors amidst an impressive rocky landscape and idyllic forests. On 42 hectares, around 100 European wild animal species live. Approximately 200 employees and many volunteers are passionately committed to nature and species conservation, education, and research – advancing the sustainable goals of the scientifically managed animal park.

The core tasks of a wildlife caretaker are

• Professional and species-appropriate care, husbandry, and breeding of our wild animals
• Cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures
• Preparation of food and feeding
• Information and support for our guests

You bring with you

• Completed primary school (age 15 to max. 20 years, without other initial training)
• First insights into animal care through internships and/or several trial days
• Versatile interest in European wild animals and their behaviour
• Interest in natural interrelationships as well as good powers of observation
• Communication skills and enjoyment in conveying biological knowledge
• Open, friendly, and well-groomed appearance
• High reliability and pronounced sense of responsibility
• Strong sense of hygiene, order, and cleanliness
• Manual dexterity and technical understanding
• Enjoyment of practical and physical work outdoors
• Good physical constitution
• Willingness to work on weekends and public holidays

Training

The training begins on 1 August 2027 and lasts three years. It concludes on 31 July 2030 with the Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence as a Wildlife Caretaker. Further information about the profession of wildlife caretaker can be found on the website of the Swiss Association for Vocational Training in Animal Care www.tierpfleger.ch.

We offer you

• Support and guidance from experienced trainers
• Insight and induction into all activities of a wildlife caretaker
• A cheerful animal care team
• Modern employment conditions, fair remuneration, and diverse fringe benefits

Do you have everything we are looking for? Have you already gained experience in animal care or even completed an internship in animal care? Then we look forward to receiving your complete application with a cover letter, CV with photo, school certificates, and trial day evaluations and/or internship certificates by 30 June 2026 by e-mail to: bewerbung@tierpark.ch

If you have questions about training at Natur- und Tierpark Goldau, you can reach Andrea Gisler, our district manager & training supervisor, by phone at 041 859 03 13.