Deputy Head Keeper

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading wildlife facility as a Deputy Head Keeper. This hands-on leadership role is essential for ensuring animal welfare and operational excellence. Play a pivotal part in guiding the animal team and contribute positively to education and conservation efforts while enjoying flexible working and generous benefits.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Enhanced pay for weekend and overtime

Generous leave entitlements

Flexible working opportunities

Staff support networks

Qualifications

• Experience in animal care and husbandry.
• Leadership skills to manage and support a team.
• Understanding of welfare standards and health procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the care and husbandry of diverse animal species.
• Coordinate daily briefings and monitor animal health.
• Lead the team in the absence of the Head Keeper.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Team leadership

Health and safety knowledge

Job description

Lotherton Wildlife World

Yorkshire Closing date for applications is: 10th Jul 2025

This is a key role at Lotherton Wildlife World—supporting the smooth running of daily operations and helping to ensure the site remains safe, well-managed, and welfare-focused across a diverse animal collection.

As our new Deputy Head Keeper, you’ll work closely with the Head Keeper and Zoo Manager to oversee the day-to-day care and husbandry of Tapir, capybara, callitrichids, fruit bats, penguins and a variety of other bird species. You’ll help lead the animal team, ensuring that welfare standards, routines, and enrichment plans are consistently delivered to a high standard, while also stepping up to lead the team in the Head Keeper’s absence.

You’ll play an important role in coordinating daily briefings, monitoring animal health, contributing to accurate record keeping (including ZIMS), and ensuring that health and safety procedures are followed across all areas. This is a hands-on leadership role that balances animal care with team supervision, offering variety, development, and the opportunity to help shape the future of the collection and its contribution to education and conservation.

As part of the team, you’ll benefit from:
• Access to an excellent Local Government Pension Scheme
• Enhanced pay for weekend, bank holiday, and overtime working
• Generous leave entitlements and flexible working opportunities
• A wide range of staff support networks and development opportunities across our varied services—from wellbeing resources to internal career progression pathways

Apply for this job:

To apply please follow the link and complete the application form.

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)