National Zoological Gardens Job Vacancies 2026 – Applications Open for 19 Types of Posts

The Department of National Zoological Gardens, Sri Lanka, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for several government employment opportunities under the Primary Level (PL-01 and PL-02), Grade III categories.
The advertised positions include Animal Keeper, Elephant Keeper, Garden Assistant, Security Guard, Laboratory Assistant, Tractor Operator, Fish Keeper, Mechanic, Carpenter, Cook and several other technical and support service posts.
Applications must reach the Department by 31 October 2026.
📌 Quick Information
🏛️ Institution: Department of National Zoological Gardens
💼 Category: Government Job Vacancies
📋 Positions: 19 Types of Posts
🎓 Qualifications: G.C.E. O/L / NVQ Level 2 / Grade 8 (Depending on Position)
👤 Age Limit: 18–45 Years
💰 Salary Scales: Rs. 40,000–61,880 (PL-01) / Rs. 41,800–65,560 (PL-02)
📌 Employment: Permanent and Pensionable
📝 Selection: Structured Interview / Practical Test, as applicable
📮 Application Method: Registered Post
⏰ Closing Date: 31 October 2026
🌐 Official Website: https://nationalzoo.gov.lk/
1. Available Job Vacancies
PL-01 – Grade III
The following five positions are advertised:
- Security Guard (Male)
- Garden Assistant
- Storeman
- Vehicle Assistant
- Field Assistant
PL-02 – Grade III
The following positions are advertised:
- Laboratory Assistant
- Tractor Operator
- Machine Operator (Backhoe)
- Animal Keeper
- Livestock Collector
- Fish Keeper
- Mechanic
- Carpenter
- Mason
- Painter
- Chainsaw Operator
- Plumber
- Cook
- Elephant Keeper
Important: These are 19 different position types, not a confirmed total of 19 individual vacancies. The official announcement does not specify the number of available appointments for each position.
2. Qualifications – PL-01 Posts
Applicants for Security Guard (Male), Garden Assistant, Storeman, Vehicle Assistant and Field Assistant must have:
- Passed six subjects at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination.
- Obtained at least two credit passes.
- Achieved these results in no more than two attempts.
Relevant professional experience may be considered as an additional qualification at the structured interview.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years of age.
Salary Scale
PL-01: Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 61,880
Salary payments are subject to the applicable provisions of Public Administration Circular No. 10/2025.
Recruitment Method
Selection is through the structured assessment procedure specified in the official notice.
3. Qualifications – PL-02 Posts
The advertised PL-02 positions include Laboratory Assistant, Tractor Operator, Machine Operator (Backhoe), Animal Keeper, Livestock Collector, Fish Keeper, Mechanic, Carpenter, Mason, Painter, Chainsaw Operator, Plumber and Cook.
Applicants must possess:
- Six passes at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination.
- At least two credit passes in no more than two attempts.
- A minimum of NVQ Level 2 competency relevant to the post, as determined by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years of age.
Salary Scale
PL-02: Rs. 41,800 – Rs. 65,560
Salary payments are subject to the relevant circular provisions.
Recruitment Method
Candidates will be assessed through a practical and structured interview.
4. Special Qualifications – Elephant Keeper
The official announcement separately specifies the following requirements for the Elephant Keeper position:
Educational Qualification: Passed Grade 8.
Professional Assessment: Practical Test.
Applicants interested in this position should consult the original advertisement for the applicable conditions.
5. General Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of Sri Lanka.
- Be of excellent character.
- Be physically and mentally fit to serve in any part of Sri Lanka.
- Meet the educational and professional requirements relevant to the post.
6. Employment Conditions
The notice states that appointments are permanent and pensionable, subject to future government policy decisions regarding pensions.
Other service conditions include:
- A three-year probationary period.
- Contributions to the applicable Widows’/Widowers’ and Orphans’ Pension Scheme.
- Passing prescribed Efficiency Bar Examinations.
- Meeting official language proficiency requirements.
- Compliance with Public Service Commission rules and relevant government regulations.
7. Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents with their applications:
- Certified copy of the birth certificate.
- Certified copy of the National Identity Card or valid passport.
- Certified copies of educational certificates, including G.C.E. O/L and A/L where applicable.
- Grama Niladhari Certificate in DS 04 format.
- Certified copy of the driving licence for Tractor Operator, Machine Operator (Backhoe) and Vehicle Assistant applicants.
8. How to Apply
Applicants must prepare an application using the format provided in the official vacancy notice.
Step 1 – Download the Application
Visit the official website:
Open the vacancy announcement and download the prescribed application form.
Step 2 – Complete the Application
Fill in the application accurately and attach certified copies of the required supporting documents.
Step 3 – Prepare the Envelope
Clearly write the position applied for on the upper-left corner of the envelope.
For example:
Application for the Post of Animal Keeper Grade III
Step 4 – Submit by Registered Post
Send the completed application and supporting documents to:
The Director General
Department of National Zoological Gardens
Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha
Dehiwala
Sri Lanka
Closing Date: 31 October 2026
The application must reach the Department by the closing date.
Important: Candidates applying for more than one position must submit a separate application for each position.
9. Selection and Important Instructions
- Only applicants meeting the advertised requirements will be considered.
- Relevant structured interviews and vocational or practical tests may be conducted.
- Incomplete, late or ineligible applications may be rejected.
- False or concealed information may result in cancellation of candidature or appointment.
- The Sinhala-language version of the notice prevails if discrepancies occur between the language versions.
10. Official Source and Application
Institution: Department of National Zoological Gardens
Official Vacancy Notice: https://nationalzoo.gov.lk/jobs/vacancies-at-the-department-of-national-zoological-gardens/
Application Method: Registered Post
Closing Date: 31 October 2026
Applicants are advised to read the complete official notice and prescribed application form before applying.
Source Note:This information has been prepared with reference to the official advertisement and relevant institutional sources. Applicants are advised to verify all details from the official source before applying.
