Zoo Jobs: Senior Keeper

Senior Keeper

Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is home to over 240 species in 60 acres of parkland and lakes. The Zoo’s mission is to provide a first class experience for all its visitors at the same time as furthering understanding and respect for animals through education and research. Through visitors’ funds Colchester Zoo undertakes breeding programmes for endangered species and supports numerous in-situ conservation projects via the Zoo’s charitable arm, Action for the Wild and it’s very own UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in South Africa.

An exciting position has arisen for a senior animal Keeper to join our team and contribute to our mission at Colchester Zoo in a full-time role working with a range of Birds, Reptiles, invertebrates, fish, small mammals and domestic rare breeds on an intense visitor engagement section, comprising of walkthrough enclosures, animal handling and feeding areas.

The successful applicant will be part of a team entrusted with the care of a range of animals and will be required to input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry and enclosure design and carry out talks and presentations to the public as well as maintain high standards of animal care and breeding management. As a senior keeper they will be expected to oversee the daily supervision of junior staff, student keepers and work experience, ensure safe working protocols and practices, have a good understanding of risk assessments and on occasions manage the section in the absence of the Team Leader and Deputy.

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a zoological collection. Excellent customer service, communication and animal husbandry skills are essential and some experience of supervising staff and managing risk in a zoo environment would be preferable.

Applicants should have the Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or an equivalent qualification and have a full valid driving licence.

This is a permanent position with a start date as soon as is possible and Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Closing date for applications is: 27th Aug 2021

Please send your completed application form which can be found here - https://www.colchester-zoo.com//wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2017APPLICATION_FORM_-_ELECTRONIC_LIVE_FORM_-_restricted.docx and your CV and covering letter for the attention of Mrs Liz Butcher, Living Collections Manager, by email to vacancies@colchesterzoo.org