Ectotherms Team Lead: Wildlife Care & Conservation

Zoological Society of London; Whipsnade; Remote; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Flexible working options

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Job summary

Zoological Society of London (ZSL) invites applications for a Team Leader in the Ectotherms section at Whipsnade Zoo. You will lead a team caring for amphibians, reptiles, freshwater aquatic life, and invertebrates within a large complex including a tropical house and breeding facilities.

As a key mentor, you’ll implement welfare standards, develop husbandry protocols, and collaborate with facilities, animal health and visitor-facing teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with reptiles and amphibians in a zoological collection, ideally DMZAA level.
• Strong taxonomic knowledge and breeding programme understanding.
• Proven ability to supervise and develop a team, ensuring welfare and safety.
• Confident in animal health monitoring and vet procedures.
• Proactive, organised and IT literate with good observational skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and monitor section rotas and manage staffing levels.
• Develop safe systems of work, risk assessments and training processes.
• Lead health and safety culture and training needs assessment.
• Train, mentor and supervise team to maintain welfare and cleanliness.
• Hands-on care with daily husbandry duties and hygiene standards.
• Monitor animal health, record keeping and veterinary procedures.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff training

Mentorship

Health & safety

Animal welfare

Observation & problem solving

IT literacy

Effective communication

Collaboration

Driving licence

Education

DMZAA level or equivalent

Tools

Life support systems

Job description

Zoological Society of London (ZSL) invites applications for a Team Leader in the Ectotherms section at Whipsnade Zoo. You will lead a team caring for amphibians, reptiles, freshwater aquatic life, and invertebrates within a large complex including a tropical house and breeding facilities.

As a key mentor, you’ll implement welfare standards, develop husbandry protocols, and collaborate with facilities, animal health and visitor-facing teams.