Animal Team Leader - Birds and Ectotherms

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); Wales; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoo in Wales is seeking an experienced Animal Team Leader for its bird and ectotherm departments. The ideal candidate will have significant experience with EAZA/BIAZA collections, expertise in animal care, and line management experience. This hands-on leadership role focuses on conservation and animal welfare, offering opportunities for professional development and employee benefits.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Free family admission to the zoo

Free uniform

Free staff parking

Employee Assistance Wellbeing Programme

Discounts in restaurant and gift shop

Holiday scheme up to 33 days

Company sick pay

Qualifications

• Significant experience working in a zoo or wildlife park with EAZA/BIAZA collections.
• Knowledge of evidence-based animal care and welfare practices.
• Ongoing professional development with birds or ectotherms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of Animal Keepers and volunteers.
• Shape, manage, and grow bird and ectotherm departments.
• Promote high standards of health and safety.

Skills

Experience with EAZA/BIAZA collections

Expertise in birds or ectotherms

Evidence-based animal care knowledge

Line management experience

Positive solutions-focused mindset

Strong IT literacy

Education

A Level 3 Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA)

Job description

• Animal Team Leader - Birds and Ectotherms

Animal Team Leader - Birds and Ectotherms

Welsh Mountain Zoo - National Zoological Society of Wales

Welsh Mountain Zoo - National Zoological Society of Wales

Wales Closing date for applications is: 1st Sep 2025

Working at the Welsh Mountain Zoo is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to be part of a committed, expert team, united by a shared passion: Bringing Conservation to Life. And there’s nowhere better to do that than in the breathtaking surroundings of North Wales.

For over 60 years, we’ve been caring for rare and endangered animal and plant species, engaging the public, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. Now, as we enter an exciting period of growth and investment in our zoo, we’re looking for a skilled and motivated Animal Team Leader.

You’ll work closely with our Head of Animals and Mammals Team Leader; helping to shape, manage and grow our bird and ectotherm departments, while leading and supporting a team of passionate keepers and volunteers.

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring expertise in birds or ectotherms, professionalism, and a genuine passion for animals and people.

What you’ll bring:

• Significant experience of working with an EAZA/BIAZA collection in a Zoo/ Wildlife Park
• An expert background and experience of working closely with either:
  • Birds – with experience across a range of species, including breeding, welfare, and behavioural enrichment, or:
  • Ectotherms – with knowledge of temperature and environmental control, nutrition, and specialist husbandry practices
• A solid knowledge of evidence-based animal care and welfare practices
• Line management experience and a passion for developing your team
• Evidence of ongoing professional development with birds or ectotherms
• A Level 3 Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or equivalent
• A positive solutions-focused mindset
• Strong IT literacy

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and inspiring a team of Animal Keepers and volunteers
• Shaping, managing and growing our bird and ectotherm departments
• Promoting and implementing evidence based best practices in animal care, welfare, enrichment, and training
• Supporting and coordinating research, student placements, and collaborative learning opportunities
• Promoting and maintaining high standards of health and safety
• Role modelling and delivering outstanding levels of guest service

If you’re passionate about animal welfare and conservation, thrive in a leadership role, and want to play a central part in shaping the future of a growing zoo – we’d love to hear from you.

As well as working with our wonderful animals and amazing team in one of the most beautiful visitor attractions in North Wales, we also provide access to:

• training and development opportunities
• free family admission to our zoo and partnership zoo's
• free uniform
• free staff parking
• our Employee Assistance Wellbeing Programme
• discounts in our restaurant, gift shop, and sweet shop
• holiday scheme which increases with service up to 33 days*
• company sick pay*

*After qualifying service

(Please note shared accommodation may be available with this role - to be discussed at interview.)

Unfortunatelyit is not possible for us to acknowledge every application form. If you do not hear from us within 15 days of submitting your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Apply for this job:

Apply now and help us Bring Conservation to Life:

Your cover letter should outline your motivation for joining our team to help us deliver our mission, and also provide some details about how you meet the requirements for the role as detailed above in the “what you’ll bring” section.

Follow Us

BIAZA, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783.Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)