Job opportunities

Deputy Section Manager

Join our team at Blackpool Zoo as a permanent Deputy Section Manager and play a crucial role in the daily care and husbandry of a diverse range of species. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to advance their career in zoo management while contributing to the welfare and conservation of a diverse range of species.

 

Blackpool Zoo is one of the UK’s most established medium-sized zoos, operated by Parques Reunidos, one of Europe’s largest leisure and attraction operators, specialising in the tourism/leisure sector. Parques Reunidos currently operates 61 parks worldwide, attracting over 21 million visitors annually.

 

As a Deputy Section Manager, your key roles and responsibilities would be to:

 

• Assist in the management and supervision of the daily operations of your assigned section to ensure the highest standards of health and welfare for the animals under your care, in accordance with SSSMZP guidelines.
• Cultivate efficient working routines that not only maximise the effective use of personnel but also motivate and develop the individual team members and the department as a whole.
• Actively contribute to the ongoing development of the zoo as a quality visitor attraction, promoting the care and conservation of the animals and fostering a greater awareness of the natural world among guests and visitors.
• Support the Section Manager in supervising a team of animal keepers, and manage the department in their absence, reporting directly to the Animal Manager or Zoo Director when required.
• Work safely and securely with all species in your section, utilising positive reinforcement methods to ensure the well-being and safety of both animals and staff.

 

Qualifications and Experience:

 

• Proven team player with excellent knowledge of the zoological industry and a commitment to continuously improving the husbandry and welfare of the animals in your care.
• Extensive experience in animal husbandry, with a minimum of seven years of keeping experience, ideally with five years in a senior position.
• Previous experience supervising staff and working with a wide range of Mammal species including category 1 animals (particularly Elephants, Great Apes and Big Cat species)
• Possession of the Diploma in The Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or an equivalent qualification.
• A full, valid driving license is required.
• Currently hold/or have held a valid UK firearms licence would be advantageous.
• Hardworking, physically fit, enthusiastic, and reliable, with a commitment to professional growth within the zoological field.

 

Why work for us:

 

Here at Blackpool Zoo, we make sure our employees are well taken care of. We recognise that their hard work and dedication are the driving force behind our success.

 

Working for Blackpool Zoo means you get:

 

• Free entry into the Blackpool Zoo for your family and friends!
• Free entry to all Parques Reunidos parks and attractions worldwide – including 4 incredible sites in the UK!
• Discount in our retail and catering outlets
• Free staff car parking facilities
• Company pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme