Zoo Jobs: Head Keeper

Head Keeper

Northumberland Country Zoo

An exciting first-time opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Keeper to join our zoo and lead the animal keeping team into the next phase of Northumberland Zoo’s future.

The role is very much a ‘hands on’ position with a strong emphasis on the coaching of individuals and team building. You will need to be able to manage and prioritise a diverse workload, have good problem-solving skills and have a strong understanding of the relevant animal husbandry required for the species kept within the Zoo.

As well as being responsible for the keeping team, you will also be part of the Senior
Animal Management team within the zoo. In this role, you will help the Curator develop new exhibits and move the animal department forward in exciting times as Northumberland Zoo flourishes.

The candidate will need to be hard working, physically fit, enthusiastic, and reliable. with conservation at the heart of their drive, helping to push our message not only the keepers, but to members of the public as well through an exciting array of animal behaviour displays and public talks in our Wild Theatre and around the zoo.

A minimum of 7 years animal keeping experience across a diverse range of species is required, proven people management skills and the DMZAA course, or equivalent, are essential.

The animal section currently includes a varied range of species from Snow Leopards to Harvest Mice, Poitou Donkeys to Birds of Prey.

In return we offer a competitive salary and the opportunity to further your career within the zoological world at a BIAZA accredited Zoo.

Northumberland Zoo is a not-for-profit, family run zoo in the heart of Northumberland with over 100 species, from Snow Leopards to Birds of Prey. The collection has been very successful and grown from just 4 chickens to a well-established medium-sized Zoo in a very short space of time with huge plans for the future.

Conservation and education are at the heart of our Zoo with no larger corporate identity to answer to. We are very driven and determined to become the largest zoological attraction in our area and are ideally placed to be the wildlife education hub for the Northeast. Being not-for-profit means that every penny we earn goes straight back into our developments. Plus, with important links to the Environment Agency, Northumberland Rivers Trust as well as the Wildlife Trust, we are paving the way for native species conservation in this area.

A full driving license is essential.

Please send a covering letter and CV to maxine@northumberlandzoo.co.uk

Applications close 2/11/2021

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