Head of Carnivores

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); Greater London; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A wildlife conservation park in Greater London is seeking a Head Keeper to lead the carnivore team. This role requires at least 3 years of experience working with carnivores and team management skills. Responsibilities include supervising animal husbandry, developing training protocols, and engaging with guests. Benefits include a permanent contract, 28 days of holiday, in-house training, and discounts. Interested candidates should email their applications to the Head Keeper for consideration.

Benefits

Permanent contract

28 days holiday

In-house training

Free staff parking

Free zoo entrance on days off

30% staff food discount

40% staff drinks discount

20% animal experiences discount

10% gift shop discount

Qualifications

• 3+ years of proven experience working with carnivores in a zoo setting.
• Ability to motivate a team under pressure and time constraints.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise all aspects of animal husbandry.
• Develop and implement animal training protocols.
• Ensure enclosure security and report any concerns.
• Assist veterinary staff when required.

Skills

Team leadership

Animal husbandry

Excellent communication skills

Observation skills

Ability to lift heavy loads

IT skills (Zims knowledge)

Job description

Wingham Wildlife Park
South East Closing date for applications is: 28th Feb 2026
Contact: Mr Matthew Jay ([e-mail]) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £34,421.40 - £36,761.40

Wingham Wildlife Park is a family run wildlife park with big emphasis on animal husbandry, conservation, education and safety for our animals, staff, and visitors.

We are looking for a like-minded “team player” who would lead our carnivore team in caring for 15 species. This section includes species such as Tigers, Lion, Jaguars, Cheetahs, Pumas, Otters, Binturong, Caracal, Clouded Leopards, Servals, Asian Palm Civet, Geoffroys Cats, Eurasian lynx, Arctic wolves, and Asiatic Black Bears.

This full-time position (45 hours per week) requires people to be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including working on weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays.

The Role

Taking a hands-on approach to ensuring that animal care is conducted to the high standards we expect on a day to day basis. Leading a team and supervising all aspects of animal husbandry, with duties including but not limited to.

• Managing all areas of animal husbandry within the Carnivore Section.
• Liaising with the Head Keeper to ensure that diets are prepared and given out correctly.
• Developing animal training protocols and implementing them with the Head of Training.
• Ensuring correct medication is given to animals and liaising with the Head Keeper if any concerns.
• Ensuring enclosure security and reporting any concerns immediately.
• Developing and implementing any health and safety protocols within the Section.
• Communicating with the Head Keeper any stock that needs ordering, including dry stock and fresh produce.
• Assisting veterinary staff when required.

In Addition, You Will Also

• Report directly to the Head Keeper, Curator and Directors.
• Train and help develop a team of up to 6 keepers under your supervision.
• Supervise apprentices, volunteers and interns when on section, including during the interview process.
• Assist the Head Keeper with conducting performance reviews of staff and suggest improvements.
• Engage with visitors and conduct guest experiences.
• Develop and conduct keeper talks to the public and school groups.
• Ensure all paperwork is kept up to date and correctly filled in.
• Attend daily end of day meetings with the other senior keeping staff.

What You Need To Be Considered For The Role

• A passion for all carnivore species.
• At least 3 years proven experience working with carnivores in a zoo setting.
• Experience managing a team of people.
• Be a team player with the ability to motivate your team whilst under pressure and time constraints.
• Excellent communication and observation skills.
• The ability to work outside in all weathers and lift loads of up to 20kg.
• Some IT skills with a working knowledge of Zims (however full training will be given).

Benefits

• Permanent Contract
• 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
• In house training, plus access to an extensive training budget covering external workshops, conferences, symposia, and online courses.
• Free staff parking
• Free entrance to the zoo on your days off plus 5 complimentary day tickets per year.
• Uniform
• 30% staff food discount
• 40% staff drinks & snacks discount
• 20% animal experiences discount
• 10% gift shop discount

Apply For This Job

All applications or questions about this position to be addressed for the attention of Mr Matthew Jay to [e-mail] along with a covering letter, CV and list of all species. For applications to this job please use reference Head Carnivores in the email title. Any applications through other channels will be disregarded.

You must be eligible to work in the UK.

This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore you should submit your application as soon as possible. All successful candidates will be contacted via email to arrange an in-person interview which will include a practical element.

Unfortunately, we are unable to give comment on unsuccessful applications.