Lead Ectotherms Keeper | Flexible Hours

Zoological Society of London (ZSL); Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 12%

Flexible working

25 days leave

Family-friendly policies

Life assurance

Wellbeing support

Staff tickets

Cycle to Work

Season ticket loan

Job summary

Zoological Society of London (ZSL) seeks a dedicated Team Leader for the Ectotherms Department at London Zoo. Lead the keeper team, champion welfare, and drive high standards of husbandry, with training and mentoring to advance skills across the section.

You’ll collaborate with various departments and work a 37.5-hour week on a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays, ensuring safe operations and excellent animal care.

Qualifications

• Extensive practical experience with reptiles and amphibians, including freshwater aquatics.
• DMZAA level (or equivalent) qualification.
• Strong taxonomic knowledge and understanding of breeding programmes and enrichment.
• Proven ability to supervise, motivate and develop a team while maintaining welfare and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Team Planning & Rotas: manage staff rotas and overtime with the Section Manager.
• Protocols & Best Practice: develop safe systems of work and training processes.
• Health & Safety Leadership: promote a safety culture and oversee risk assessments.
• Staff Training & Mentorship: train and mentor team members, maintain high welfare and cleanliness standards.
• Hands-on Animal Care: assist keeper team with daily husbandry and hygiene.
• Animal Health & Record Keeping: monitor health, administer treatments, keep accurate records.

Skills

Team leadership

Animal husbandry

Reptiles & Amphibians

DMZAA level

Veterinary procedures

Health & safety

IT literacy

Communication

Education

DMZAA level

Job description

Zoological Society of London (ZSL) seeks a dedicated Team Leader for the Ectotherms Department at London Zoo. Lead the keeper team, champion welfare, and drive high standards of husbandry, with training and mentoring to advance skills across the section.

You’ll collaborate with various departments and work a 37.5-hour week on a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays, ensuring safe operations and excellent animal care.