Lead Keeper

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); North East; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoo in North East England is seeking a passionate lead keeper to support animal welfare and conservation efforts. Candidates should have a strong background in zoology with experience mentoring staff. The role includes overseeing animal care and contributing to new developments, alongside a dynamic team. Benefits include 28 days annual leave and complimentary zoo tickets.

Benefits

Complimentary zoo tickets for friends and family

28 days annual leave, increasing with longevity

Staff discount in retail and food outlets

Sick pay

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years working with animals in a zoological setting.
• Experience mentoring and motivating others.
• Knowledge of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high standards of animal husbandry and welfare.
• Mentor keepers and volunteer teams.
• Support conservation, education, and research efforts.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Animal husbandry

IT skills

Education

Qualification in animal science

Tools

ZIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Northumberland Zoo

North East Closing date for applications is: 4th Jul 2025

Northumberland Zoo is situated in a beautiful area between Northumberland National Park and stunning coastline. This area is a hotspot for wildlife from orcas and puffins to red squirrels and harvest mice. Our zoo is ideally situated to support native species and habitat conservation in our local area.

We are a fully accredited EAZA member and BIAZA member, where conservation, education and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. As we develop the zoo and expand into a further 35 acre area in the coming years, we have some incredibly exciting plans for several new species along with overall site development. We have a fantastic opportunity for a lead keeper to join our team and we are looking for an experienced, inspiring and enthusiastic candidate to take on this role.

There are currently over 100 species within then collection from snow leopards and tapir to lemurs and harvest mice, as well as the endangered breeding population of Livingstone’s fruit bats. We also have parrots and birds of prey, as well as a varied lower vertebrates & invertebrates collection including tortoises and leaf-cutter ants.

The past 12 months has seen the redevelopment of the our serval and tropical rainforest exhibit, welcoming new primate species to the current collection, as well as the new snow leopard enclosure with many more projects in the pipeline.

The role

You will be part of a dynamic team, working underneath the head keeper and deputy head keeper to inspire and mentor the keepers and volunteer teams. You will be responsible for ensuring the best standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibit presentation are being carried out. In addition to this, you will be supporting both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, education and research along with providing input into new zoo developments.

Requirements:

• A minimum of 4 years experience working with animals in a zoological setting (experience with category 1 animals would be an advantage)
• Be knowledgeable with a qualification in an animal science discipline
• Have proven experience mentoring and motivating others in a senior position
• The ability to work effectively in a team or without supervision, supervising animal keepers and occasionally deputising for senior management
• A passion and drive to help the zoo achieve its mission and goals
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail and record keeping skills
• Willingness to work additional hours when needed
• Access to a UK driving license as the zoo in inaccessible via public transport
• Good IT skills and a working knowledge of ZIMS and Microsoft office package
• Research experience including behavioural observations and data collection and dissemination
• Sound knowledge of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment practices
• Experience carrying out animal presentations

The package:

• Complimentary zoo tickets for friends and family
• 28 days annual leave, increasing with longevity
• Staff discount in retail and food outlets
• Sick pay
• 40 hours per week including every other weekend and bank holidays. Working hours are 8.00-17.00 summer and 8.00-16.30 winter.

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)