Deputy Team Leader - Tiger Section

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

Job summary

A leading zoological collection in East Anglia is seeking an experienced Deputy Team Leader. In this full-time position, you will oversee the welfare of multiple animal species and supervise junior staff while contributing to animal husbandry and site progression. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in zoological collections and holds a relevant diploma. Position offers a permanent contract with immediate start available.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience working in a zoological collection.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Experience supervising staff and managing risk in a zoo environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily supervision of junior staff, student keepers, and work experience.
• Maintain high standards of welfare for the animals.
• Input ideas for the development of animal husbandry and enclosure design.

Skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Animal husbandry skills

Supervising staff

Risk management

Education

Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria

Job description

Overview

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 is: 10th Oct 2025.

Role and responsibilities

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. The successful candidate will work within the Animal Department to carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care. As a Deputy Team Leader, the candidate will be required to input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section. The applicant will be expected to oversee the daily supervision of junior staff, student keepers and work experience, ensure safe working protocols and practices, have a good understanding of risk assessments and manage the section in the absence of the Team Leader.

Requirements

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 7 years’ experience working in a zoological collection. Excellent customer service, communication and animal husbandry skills are essential, as is previous experiencesupervising staff and managing risk in a zoo environment.

Applicants should have the Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or an equivalent qualification and have a full valid driving licence.

Contract and application

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

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)