Job opportunities

Team Leader Birds, Ectotherms & Guest Experiences

KEY RESPONSBILITES FOR THE ROLE

Manage Operations and Resources

• Manage and enable our Animal Keepers and volunteers to deliver animal welfare, enrichment, and husbandry practices for our bird and ectotherm collection in line with SSSMS practice
• Work with our Gardens/Maintenance Teams to deliver safe, functional, and well-presented habitats
• Manage stock and resources efficiently, including consumables such as food and bedding
• Collaborate with the Head of Animals on staff deployment and resource planning
• Complete Duty Manager cover for the Head of Animals & cover for the Mammals Team Leader

Leading and Developing the Team

• Support the team, ensuring they have the tools, training, and resources to perform their duties
• Conduct one-to-ones, appraisals, and team meetings to create a high performing team culture
• Deliver, support, and oversee technical training for Animal Keepers and volunteers
• Support our Animal Keepers to develop and deliver animal training activities
• Actively promote our mission and the broader value of zoos in conservation and education

Coordination and Planning

• Ensure the maintenance of accurate animal records using our Species 360 database
• Conduct bi-annual welfare audits and support preparation for inspections
• Contribute to the Institutional Species Plan and animal transfers
• Develop and update best practice husbandry guidelines, checklists, dairies and procedures
• Co-ordinate all animal related student and work experience placements

Deliver Excellent Guest Experiences

• Work closely with the Guest Experience Team to deliver engaging animal encounters & experiences
• Role model courteous, professional, and informative guest service
• Address and resolve informal guest complaints; appropriately escalating when necessary
• Improve guests experience through staff training, signage, talks, and presentations

Ensure Safety and Compliance

• Maintain high standards of H&S ensuring full compliance with our policies, safe working practices, and the Secretary of States Standards on Modern Zoo Practice (SSSMZP)
• Lead and coordinate staff during drills and emergencies, always prioritising guest and staff safety
• Conduct risk assessments and safety audits, implementing and monitoring improvements
• Investigate health and safety incidents and implement corrective actions
• Ensure all staff and volunteers have appropriate PPE and are trained in safety procedures

KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ROLE

Qualifications

• Holds Level 3 Diploma in the Management or Zoo and Aquarium Animals 
• Working towards/holds level 5 BSc (hons) in Animal Science or equivalent

Skills

• Comfortable working as part of a team, but also working unsupervised
• Good IT literacy (record management, emails/notes, and spreadsheet updates)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge

• Knowledge of BIAZA and EAZA animal husbandry, behaviour, & welfare principles
• Familiar with nutrition, enrichment, animal health, welfare assessment & training
• Familiar with the Secretary of States Standards on Modern Zoo Practice
• Understands conservation issues and the role zoos play in mitigating species loss

Experience

• Maintaining accurate data in Animal Management databases e.g. Species360
• Significant experience of working with an EAZA/BIAZA collection in a Zoo/ Wildlife Park
• Managing H&S risk assessments and safe operating procedures
• Line managing staff and volunteers in a customer service environment
• Managing birds and ectotherms collections
• Delivering animal training activities
• Willing to work towards/able to use firearms in an emergency
• Performing physical tasks (lifting, clearing, carrying) in all weather conditions

Key behaviours (competencies) for the role

• Leading and Supervising
• Planning and Organising
• Adapting and Responding to Change

STAFF BENEFITS

As well as working with our wonderful animals and amazing team in one of the most beautiful visitor attractions in North Wales, we also provide access to:

• training and development opportunities
• free family admission to our zoo
• free uniform
• free staff parking
• our Employee Assistance Wellbeing Programme
• discounts in our restaurant, gift shop, and sweet shop
• holiday scheme which increases with service up to 33 days*
• company sick pay*
• our pension scheme*

*After qualifying service

(Please note shared accommodation may be available with this role - to be discussed at interview.)