Senior Animal Ranger (Primates Section)

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Yorkshire Wildlife Park in the UK is seeking a Senior Animal Ranger for our Primates section. The successful candidate will bring a positive, proactive attitude and be able to lead and mentor staff. A Diploma in the Management of Zoo or Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or a degree in animal/conservation is essential.

You will oversee safety, nutrition, welfare, and guest experience. This full-time role offers an opportunity to contribute to conservation in a dynamic park that continues to expand its

Qualifications

• Diploma in the Management of Zoo or Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or degree in animal/conservation.
• Ability to lead a team and mentor junior staff.
• Strong communications skills across managers, staff and the public.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that safety and emergency procedures are always followed.
• Ensure that all nutritional requirements are met and adhere to defined dietary instructions.
• Monitor all animals for signs of illness, injury or distress and promptly report any concerns to the Section Head or Deputy Section Head. Administer medications as instructed.
• Maintain and advance animal welfare including the design and implementation of enrichment and training programmes for animals on the section.
• Oversee the section in the absence of the Section Head and Deputy Section Head.
• Ensure an exemplary experience for all guests entering your areas of responsibility.
• Responsible for maintaining a motivating, supportive and professional culture and working environment within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Diploma in the Management of Zoo or Aquarium Animals (DMZAA)

Degree in animal/conservation subject

Job description

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Closing date for applications is: 18th Oct 2026

Contact: Aleksandra Socha ([e-mail]) Sector: Conservation Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £28,080 gross per annum

Since its opening in 2009, Yorkshire Wildlife Park has evolved to become the UK’s number 1 on-foot safari. We feature walkthrough exhibits that take the guest directly into the world of the animals. A dynamic centre for conservation and welfare, the park currently has around 475 animals across more than 60 different species. We aim to provide a quality, value for money experience that excites and inspires our guests.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s £50 million expansion has seen a 150-acre expansion of the existing site. This includes new animal reserves, lakes and landscaping and along with The Yorkshire Hive that has retail, restaurants and a destination hotel.

We are currently looking for a Senior Animal Ranger to join our dynamic and energetic animal department with position available in our Primates section. The successful candidate will have a positive, ‘can do’ attitude and demonstrate a consistently proactive and flexible approach to work.

It is essential for candidates to possess a Diploma in the Management of Zoo or Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or degree level qualification in an animal/ conservation subject area.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure that safety and emergency procedures are always followed.
• Ensure that all nutritional requirements are met and adhere to defined dietary instructions.
• Monitor all animals for signs of illness, injury or distress and promptly report any concerns to the Section Head or Deputy Section Head. Administer medications as instructed.
• Maintain and advance animal welfare including the design and implementation of enrichment and training programmes for animals on the section.
• Oversee the section in the absence of the Section Head and Deputy Section Head.
• Ensure an exemplary experience for all guests entering your areas of responsibility.
• Responsible for maintaining a motivating, supportive and professional culture and working environment within the team.

Candidate

• Relevant qualification (see “Person Specification”).
• Ability to lead a team when required and provide mentorship to junior staff.
• Strong communications skills adapted to the needs of managers, colleagues and members of the public.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm.
• Must be confident working as part of a team or on your own, along with providing leadership to the team when required.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to provide resolutions.