Head Keeper (Maternity Cover)

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Keeper at a renowned zoo, where you will manage a diverse team and ensure the highest standards of animal care and conservation. This role offers the chance to work closely with various species, engage with visitors, and contribute to educational initiatives. If you are passionate about animal welfare and have significant experience in zoo management, this is the perfect role for you. Join a vibrant team dedicated to providing exceptional care and enriching experiences for both animals and visitors alike.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Annual Leave Entitlement

Pension Fund Membership

Flexible Working Arrangements

Career Development Opportunities

Staff Benefits for Wellbeing

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in a zoo environment, with 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Exceptional animal husbandry skills and a passion for animal welfare.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a diverse animal keeping team.
• Oversee animal training, husbandry guidelines, and public presentations.

Skills

Animal Husbandry

Team Management

Communication Skills

Customer Service

Animal Training

Health and Safety Knowledge

Education

Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria

Tools

Record-Keeping Systems (ZIMs)

Job description

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Join to apply for the Head Keeper (Maternity Cover) role at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)

Tropical World

Yorkshire, England Closing date for applications is: 9th May 2025

Contact: Abigail Hardwick ([e-mail])

Sector: Animal Care

Type: Paid

Contract type: Full-time

Salary: £27,711 - £30,060

An exciting position has arisen for a Head Animal Keeper, based at The Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World at Roundhay Park working with a wide range of aquatics, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, small mammals and birds.

Tropical World is one of Leeds' most popular family attractions with over 300,000 visitors each year. The post-holder will be expected to work closely with the other on-site teams, our zoo vet, and both internal and external contractors to deliver a high-quality visitor experience.

The successful candidate will be a flexible, well-motivated individual who can cooperatively lead the animal team to provide the highest levels of animal husbandry, conservation, education, and public access in this developing zoo.

As one of two Head Keepers, you will line-manage members of staff including permanent keepers, seasonal staff, apprentices, and volunteers. You will be expected to manage training programmes, keep stock inventories, and contribute to new developments, small projects, and the collection plan.

The Successful Applicant Will Need To Be

• Able to manage and motivate a diverse animal keeping team.
• A highly motivated, hard-working individual.
• Lead on Animal Training, Husbandry guidelines, visitor engagement.
• Able to take part in public presentations, keeper talks, social media outputs and demonstrate excellent communication skills.
• Willing to work weekends to a rota and on occasional evenings.

The Successful Applicant Will Have

• A Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a zoo environment and at least 2 years in a supervisory position.
• Exceptional animal husbandry skills, high standards of animal care.
• A passion for Animal Welfare, Conservation, Education & Research.
• Previous practical experience working with a range of species.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• An excellent understanding of health and safety in a zoological setting.
• An organised approach to managing animal records and reporting systems.
• A working knowledge of record-keeping systems such as ZIMs.
• A full valid driving licence.

Apply For This Job

What we offer you:

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How To Apply

Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Ensure you check your information carefully and complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Abigail Hardwick (Animal Officer) at [e-mail].

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Leeds City Council is recognized in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to a satisfactory six-month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme, or having secured a relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, consider your eligibility for sponsorship through the Skilled Worker route before applying. For more information, visit the UK government website on the Skilled Worker visa. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.