Zoo Jobs: Head Animal Keeper

Head Animal Keeper

Lotherton Wildlife World

An exciting position has arisen for a Head Animal Keeper, based in Wildlife World working with a wide range of birds, including penguins, and mammals including small primates and felids.

The successful candidate will be a flexible, well-motivated individual who can lead the animal team to provide the highest levels of animal welfare, conservation, education and public access in this developing zoo. Wildlife World sits within Lotherton Hall, a small country estate with gardens, parkland, museum, shops and a café and the post-holder will be expected to work closely with the other teams to deliver a high quality visitor experience to around 500,000 visitors each year.

As Head Keeper you will line-manage members of staff including permanent keepers, seasonal staff, interns and volunteers. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to new developments and the collection plan of this developing zoo.

The successful applicant will need to be:

· Able to manage and motivate a diverse animal keeping team

· A highly motivated, hard-working individual

· Able to take part in public presentations and demonstrate excellent communication skills.

· Willing to work weekends to a rota and occasional evenings

The successful applicant will have:

· A Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or equivalent qualification

· Considerable supervisory experience in a similar environment

· Exceptional animal husbandry skills, high standards of animal care

· A passion for Animal Welfare & Conservation

· Previous practical experience of working with a range of species

· Strong customer service and communication skills