Job opportunities

Lead Keeper Reptile Section

Colchester Zoo is home to over 150 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 and its very own UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in South Africa.

An exciting position has arisen for a Lead Keeper to join our team and contribute to our mission at Colchester Zoo working within our Reptile section; responsible for a range of reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species

The candidate will work within the Animal Department to carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care. As a Lead Keeper, the candidate will be required to input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section.

The applicant 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 manage the section in the absence of the Team Leader.

We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 7 years’ experience working in a zoological collection. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailing essential requirements for the position.

This is a permanent position with a start date as soon as is possible.