Job opportunities

Animal Technical Support Officer

Animal Technical Support Officer (Mammals)

Full-time, permanent contract.

We are Chester Zoo 

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction. 

 

The Role 

We now have an exciting new role for an outstanding Animal Technical Support Officer on the Mammal Department. Reporting to the Head of Mammals, you’ll provide organisational support to the mammal department and the wider curatorial team.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Communicate with and provide reports to internal stakeholders and external organisations, helping coordinate the numerous breeding programmes the organisation participates in.
• Actively participate in activities to advance animal care and keeper development.
• Maintain databases such as the mammal collection plan, species plans and available/wanted lists. 
• Help co-ordinate and provide support to group recruitment days, workshops and other events

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes… 

 

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.  

 

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

 

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

 

The Package

• Contract Type – Permanent.
• 08.00 to 17.00 – 40 hours/week
• £28.898.96 per annum (Grade 7)
• Some possibility for limited home-working – by negotiation
• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days 
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9% 

Our Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of zoo and animal management, breeding programmes and EAZA/BIAZA structures
• Excellent data management abilities with requisite computer skills, including proficiency in the use of Microsoft Teams and ZIMS
• An ability to communicate effectively to a wide variety of people, good interpersonal and facilitation skills, and a commitment to confidentiality.
• Minimum BSc in Animal Management/Life Sciences, or equivalent experience 

Although not essential, the following would be desirable: 

• Presentation skills and public speaking
• Previous experience in a zoo animal keeping role.