Qualified Keeper - Reptile Section (One Year Maternity Cover)

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation-focused zoo in the UK is seeking a Qualified Keeper for its Reptile Section on a one-year maternity cover. The ideal candidate will have at least 18 months of experience in a zoological collection and be responsible for husbandry duties, animal welfare, and engaging with visitors. This position offers an opportunity to contribute ideas for developing animal care and keeps high standards while delivering memorable experiences to guests.

Qualifications

• Responsible for husbandry duties and animal welfare.
• Input ideas for animal husbandry and enclosure design.
• Deliver enclosure encounters and experiences to visitors.

Responsibilities

• Carry out day-to-day husbandry for various species.
• Ensure safe working practices within the section.

Skills

Minimum 18 months experience in a zoological collection

Motivated and hardworking

Job description

Qualified Keeper - Reptile Section (One Year Maternity Cover)

Colchester Zoological Society

East Anglia Closing date for applications is: 13th Feb 2026

Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species and is dedicated to supporting conservation projects around the globe. As an award-winning visitor attraction with over 1 million guests visiting each year, every staff member at the zoo works together to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

An exciting position has arisen for a Qualified Keeper to join our team and contribute to our mission at CZS in a full-time role working within our Reptile department; responsible for a range of reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species.

The candidate will work within the Animal Department to carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care. As a Qualified Keeper, the candidate will be required to input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section. The Qualified Keeper will be responsible for carrying out day to day husbandry on the section for a range of species and ensuring safe working practices, as well as delivering enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species across the section

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 18 months experience working in a zoological collection. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailingessential requirements for the position.

Application Process

Further details of the job role can be found here:
https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/about-us/careers/