Zoo Jobs: Head Animal Keeper

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Head Animal Keeper

Head Animal Keeper

Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoo of Wales, Colwyn Bay

The National Zoological Society of Wales is a registered charity (no. 514108) that owns and runs the Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoo of Wales in Colwyn Bay, UK. The Zoo embraces modern conservation thinking and strives for high standards in all departments. It is a member of BIAZA, EAZA, WAZA and Species360.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoo of Wales is looking to appoint a Head Animal Keeper who will answer to the Animal Collection Manager and the Director of Living Collections and have supervisory responsibility over all animal keepers, providing cover and assistance to the Collection Manager in all aspects of managing the department.

Key Objectives:

· Ensure and maintain the highest level of care for animals, enclosures and surroundings.

· Ensure effective day to day supervision and motivation of the keeping staff

· Actively promote training and development of keeping staff

· Report to the Collection Manager on all areas of operation within the department

· Understand, operate and ensure that all keepers work in accordance with the Zoo Health and Safety Policy and procedures.

· Actively participate in effective interdepartmental coordination and communication.

The successful candidate must:

· have a minimum of 8 years zoo animal experience covering a varied range of taxa

· be qualified to at least DMZAA or ANCMZA level
· have a through understanding of modern zoo animal management
· have an interest in and understanding of animal enrichment and positive reinforcement-based animal training for net welfare benefits
· have excellent communication skills
· have the ability to work as part of a team

Preferred but not essential

· competency in the use computers and of Microsoft Office software and Species360

For further details, a full job description and application form please

email info@welshmountainzoo.org or telephone 01492 532938 ext.3 (Office Hours 09.00 – 17.00).

The closing date for applications will be 17.00 on Tuesday 1st March. A short list of candidates will be drawn up and contacted to arrange an interview.