Deputy Team Leader - Mixed taxa section, including tigers

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

Job summary

A prominent zoo organization in East Anglia is seeking an experienced Deputy Team Leader for their mixed taxa section, which includes tigers among other species. The role involves overseeing animal husbandry, supervising staff, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Applicants should have a minimum of 7 years' experience in a zoological collection and hold relevant qualifications. This permanent position offers an immediate start and is a key role in supporting the organization's mission in animal care and conservation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience working in a zoological collection.
• Previous experience supervising staff and managing risk in a zoo environment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare.
• Oversee the daily supervision of junior staff, student keepers and work experience.
• Ensure safe working protocols and practices.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Animal husbandry

Education

Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria

Tools

Full valid driving licence

Job description

Deputy Team Leader - Mixed taxa section, including tigers

Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species and is dedicated to supporting conservation projects around the globe. As an award-winning visitor attraction with over 1 million guests visiting each year, every staff member at the zoo works together to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

Location: East Anglia.

Closing date for applications: 13th Feb 2026.

Job Overview

An exciting position has arisen for an experienced Deputy Team Leader to join our team and contribute to our mission at CZS in a full-time role working within our tiger section; a mixed taxa section responsible for Amur tigers, grey wolves, bush dogs, Barbary macaques, gelada baboons, Philippine spotted deer, smooth-coated otters, Chilean flamingos, African vulture species and various reptile and fish species.

Responsibilities

• Carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care.
• Input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section.
• Oversee the daily supervision of junior staff, student keepers and work experience.
• Ensure safe working protocols and practices, having a good understanding of risk assessments.
• Manage the section in the absence of the Team Leader.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience working in a zoological collection.
• Excellent customer service, communication and animal husbandry skills.
• Previous experience supervising staff and managing risk in a zoo environment.
• Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or an equivalent qualification.
• Full valid driving licence.

This is a permanent position with a start date as soon as possible. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailing essential requirements for the position.

Apply for this job

Further details of the job role can be found here: https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/about-us/careers/