Aquatics Section Head

ABWAK Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wildlife conservation park in the UK is seeking an experienced Section Head to lead their Aquatics team. The successful candidate will manage the day-to-day operations and ensure exemplary standards of husbandry and welfare for various aquatic and terrestrial mammals. Candidates must have a relevant diploma or degree and extensive zoological industry experience, including managing mammal species. Applications close on 11/08/2025.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Diploma in Zoo/Aquarium Animal Management or degree in a relevant subject.
• Comprehensive experience in the zoological industry is required.
• Experience managing mammal species, especially aquatic, is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Aquatics team.
• Ensure operational management and welfare standards.
• Supervise daily activities of the section.

Skills

Experience managing a team

Knowledge of husbandry and welfare standards

Aquatic mammal experience

Education

Diploma in the Management of Zoo or Aquarium Animals

Degree in animal/conservation subject area

Job description

Since its opening in 2009, Yorkshire Wildlife Park has evolved to become the UK’s number 1 on-foot safari. We feature walkthrough exhibits that take the guest directly into the world of the animals. A dynamic centre for conservation and welfare, the park currently has around 475 animals across more than 60 different species. We aim to provide a quality, value for money experience that excites and inspires our guests.

We are currently looking for an experienced Section Head to lead and manage our Aquatics team. The Section Head is responsible for all aspects of the day to day operational management of the section, including maintaining exemplary husbandry and welfare standards for a range of terrestrial and aquatic mammals. Previous experience leading/ supervising a team of staff is essential.

To be considered, candidates must possess a Diploma in the Management of Zoo or Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or degree level qualification in an animal/ conservation subject area (please refer to person specification in the vacancy pack for details), and must demonstrate comprehensive experience of working within the zoological industry including experience managing a range of mammal species with aquatic mammal experience being advantageous.

To download the vacancy information pack and the required application form, please visit the vacancies section of our website www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com

Closing date for applications 11/08/2025