Job opportunities

Animal Team Leader

To manage all aspects of the allocated animal section and all related animal projects, whilst aiming to optimise the quality of animal welfare and to manage or support the delivery of an innovative and engaging programme of live animal interactive activities to engage and excite visitors in support of RZSS’ vision and mission.

This is a fixed term role (approximately 7 months) and is responsible for managing all aspects of carnivores, birds and primate sections at Highland Wildlife Park.

Some of the things you’ll do:

• Line manager to a team of approx. 8 people (1-2 senior keepers, other team members and occasional additional interns).
• Emergency key holder for department and on call for emergencies
• Manage all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the allocated animal section, such as. rota management, staff development and signing off completed sections.
• Ensure animal welfare, husbandry and management within the team is of the highest standard, taking into account relevant legislation, best practice animal management.
• Contribute to enclosure design, and manage maintenance, enrichment and enclosure furnishing to ensure it meets all the needs of the animal and is presentable to the public, for example, positive visitor engagement and suggest ideas for development to managers and to the relevant departments
• Ensure you and your team collate and record detailed and accurate animal records in relation to the good management of the animal collection and animal training, and to ensure accurate data (e.g. weigh, behaviours, births, deaths and treatments received) can be input to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). 
• Liaise with colleagues within RZSS to ensure they, and your team, are kept informed of the potential impacts on their, and your, areas of responsibility with regard to animal welfare and visitor experience.

What we’re looking for: 

• Professional qualification meeting the requirements of the European Professional Zookeepers Qualification Framework (zookeepers.eu/framework/) (e.g. Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA)), or equivalent qualifications and experience
• Knowledge and skills of good animal management, including diet
• Working knowledge of ZIMS and other zoo related management systems
• Worked as a senior keeper or has significant practical experience in a zoo, or animal related environment, on which to base sound professional judgements
• Deep practical understanding of current conservation science, zoo biology and animal welfare ethics
• Full UK driving licence (essential for Highland Wildlife Park)

What you’ll get in return:

• Starting salary between £33,230 - £34,060 (offer based on experience)
• 37.5hr working week (annualised hours)
• 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Discount in both retail/catering
• Access to a healthcare plan
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as quickly as possible.

Interviews will take place week commencing 1 July 2025.

Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/ desirable criteria.

We offer a range of great benefits which you can read about here.