Deputy Head of Section - Hoofstock

ABWAK Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wildlife conservation organization in the UK is seeking a Deputy Head of Section for their Hoofstock team. This full-time, permanent role involves overseeing the care of various hoofed species, ensuring their health and well-being, and engaging in communication with veterinary services. The ideal candidate has at least five years of relevant experience and strong animal husbandry skills. Comprehensive benefits include 28 days of annual leave, training opportunities, and discounts across parks.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Training and development opportunities

Enhanced sickness and maternity policies

Free entry to parks

Discounts on food and accommodation

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ experience working with ungulates.
• Experience in a supervisory role preferred.
• Full, valid driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor animal behaviour and health.
• Prepare and distribute diets.
• Maintain hygiene and enclosure upkeep.
• Liaise with veterinary teams and internal departments.

Skills

Animal husbandry skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team management

Knowledge of conservation issues

Education

Relevant qualification in animal management

Job description

Overview

Deputy Head of Section - Hoofstock Salary: Up to £31,500.00 Per Annum DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits Full Time, Permanent Position

Howletts Wild Animal Park, located near Canterbury in Kent, is offering an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and experienced individual to join our Hoofstock team as Deputy Head of Section. As part of our Hoofstock team, you will be responsible for looking after our Black Rhino, Greater kudu, Bongo, Cape Buffalo, Indian Sambar Deer, Red Lechwe, Sable, Waterbuck, Red River Hogs, Ostrich and Giant Anteater.

Responsibilities

As Deputy Head of Hoofstock, you will play a key role in the daily care and management of a diverse range of species. Your responsibilities will include monitoring animal behaviour and health, preparing and distributing correct diets, and maintaining high standards of hygiene and enclosure upkeep. You will ensure all safety and emergency protocols are followed and help facilitate animal movements and transport when needed.

Excellent communication is essential, as you’ll liaise regularly with veterinary teams, other animal collections, and internal departments. You’ll also contribute to enrichment programmes, enhance the visitor experience through positive engagement, and represent the parks at seminars and conferences. Additionally, you will support the training and supervision of less experienced staff, volunteers, and interns, and take on section management responsibilities when required.

Qualifications and What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years’ experience working with ungulates in a mainstream zoological collection. They must demonstrate excellent animal husbandry skills, strong people skills, and a genuine passion for animal welfare. Experience in a supervisory role and managing a small team will be highly advantageous, as will a relevant qualification in animal management or a similar field.

An awareness of current conservation issues and enthusiasm for contributing to the enrichment and welfare of the Hoofstock species across the park is essential. Candidates must hold a full, valid driving licence, and experience with agricultural vehicles is desirable.

The successful candidate will be proactive and practical, with strong organisational and communication skills, and a solid understanding of the role of modern zoological collections. This is a physically demanding role that involves heavy lifting, enclosure maintenance, and browse cutting.

Role Details

This is a full-time, permanent position working 40 hours per week, five days out of seven, which can include weekends and bank holidays. A flexible approach to working hours is essential in any animal job. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is essential due to our remote location.

The location: Howletts Wild Animal Park is located near Canterbury and set within 90 acres of land. Howletts is home to over 300 rare and endangered species, including Kent’s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, and more gorillas, leopards and monkeys than any zoo in the county!

Why You Should Join Us

As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of moloch gibbons and trumpets from our herd of elephants, you will also join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

You can also expect a host of other 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 Ex tras Scheme.
• And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits. Your adventure awaits.

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Closing Date and How to Apply

Closing Date: Wednesday 20th August 2025