Deputy Head of Section - African Experience

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned animal reserve in Kent is seeking an enthusiastic Deputy Head Keeper for the African Experience Section. The successful candidate will manage animal care, lead a dedicated team, and contribute to conservation efforts. A background in zoological management with experience working with African species is crucial. This full-time role offers a salary of up to £31,500 per annum, plus benefits and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

28 days annual leave including bank holidays

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

Company Pension

Unlimited free entry for friends and family tickets

Exceptional discounts on food, retail, and accommodation

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ experience in zoological animal management.
• Strong awareness of current conservation issues and animal welfare.
• Ability to supervise and support less experienced staff.

Responsibilities

• Support the Section Head with day-to-day management.
• Monitor animal behaviour and health.
• Clean and maintain enclosures to a high standard.

Skills

Zoological animal management

Leadership

Communication

Health and safety protocols

Microsoft Office applications

Physical fitness

Education

Recognised Animal Management qualification

Job description

• Deputy Head of Section - African Experience

Deputy Head of Section - African Experience

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Kent Closing date for applications is: 31st Aug 2025

Salary: Up to £31,500.00 Per Annum, DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits

Deputy Head Keeper – African Experience Section

Salary: Up to £31,500.00 Per Annum, Plus Desirable Benefits

Permanent, Full-Time Position

Onsite accommodation may be available dependent on occupancy

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Deputy Head Keeper to join our team of dedicated African Experience Keepers.This unique section is home to an incredible variety of iconic African species, including Nubian giraffe, black rhino, eland, Chapman’s zebra, and blue wildebeest, as well as other remarkable animals such as Przewalski’s horses, European bison, and various deer species.

As Deputy Head Keeper, you will play a key role in supporting the Section Head with the day-to-day management of the African Experience Section and its team. This includes overseeing the section in the Head Keeper’s absence, helping to develop and support less experienced keepers, and supervising interns and volunteers. You will be responsible for monitoring animal behaviour and health, reviewing and preparing correct diets, and promptly reporting any concerns to the Section Head or veterinary team.

Your duties will also include cleaning and maintaining enclosures to a high standard, assisting with general repairs and improvements, contributing to animal enrichment, and helping with the safe movement and transport of animals. You’ll be expected to follow all safety and emergency procedures, maintain good communication across departments, and provide excellent customer service to visitors. There may also be opportunities to assist with administrative tasks and represent the parks at external seminars or conferences.

Who are we looking for:

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years’ experience in zoological animal management, including direct experience working with the species found within the African Experience Section. You will have a recognised Animal Management qualification, along with a solid understanding of species biology, natural history, husbandry, and welfare. You will demonstrate a strong awareness of current conservation issues, a genuine passion for animal welfare, and a proactive approach to species enrichment, both within your section and across the park.

You will have excellent all-round husbandry skills, a good working knowledge of health and safety protocols, including conducting risk assessments, and the ability to work confidently both as part of a team and independently. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are key to this role, as well as the ability to supervise and support less experienced staff, interns, and volunteers. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required for administrative tasks, and due to the nature of the role, a high level of physical fitness and a full, valid driving licence are essential.

This is a full-time, permanent position working 40 hours a week, 5 days out of 7 including weekends and bank holidays. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location.

The location:

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.

Why you should join us:

We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter, and our Core Values ‘One Team’, Customer’ and ‘Pride’ are what drive us each day to become part of something extraordinary. As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.

You can also expect a host of other ‘roarsome’ benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service (pro-rata to start date and working hours)
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning.
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
• Company Pension
• And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.

#joinourpride

Please note, this role may close early if we receive a high volume of applications.

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)