Job opportunities

Lead Keeper

Northumberland Zoo is situated in a beautiful area between Northumberland National Park and stunning coastline. This area is a hotspot for wildlife from orcas and puffins to red squirrels and harvest mice. Our zoo is ideally situated to support native species and habitat conservation in our local area.

We are a fully accredited EAZA member and BIAZA member, where conservation, education and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. As we develop the zoo and expand into a further 35 acre area in the coming years, we have some incredibly exciting plans for several new species along with overall site development. We have a fantastic opportunity for a lead keeper to join our team and we are looking for an experienced, inspiring and enthusiastic candidate to take on this role. 

There are currently over 100 species within then collection from snow leopards and tapir to lemurs and harvest mice, as well as the endangered breeding population of Livingstone’s fruit bats. We also have parrots and birds of prey, as well as a varied lower vertebrates & invertebrates collection including tortoises and leaf-cutter ants.

The past 12 months has seen the redevelopment of the our serval and tropical rainforest exhibit, welcoming new primate species to the current collection, as well as the new snow leopard enclosure with many more projects in the pipeline.

The role

You will be part of a dynamic team, working underneath the head keeper and deputy head keeper to inspire and mentor the keepers and volunteer teams. You will be responsible for ensuring the best standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibit presentation are being carried out. In addition to this, you will be supporting both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, education and research along with providing input into new zoo developments.

Requirements:

• A minimum of 4 years experience working with animals in a zoological setting (experience with category 1 animals would be an advantage)
• Be knowledgeable with a qualification in an animal science discipline
• Have proven experience mentoring and motivating others in a senior position
• The ability to work effectively in a team or without supervision, supervising animal keepers and occasionally deputising for senior management
• A passion and drive to help the zoo achieve its mission and goals
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail and record keeping skills
• Willingness to work additional hours when needed
• Access to a UK driving license as the zoo in inaccessible via public transport

Desirable:

• Good IT skills and a working knowledge of ZIMS and Microsoft office package
• Research experience including behavioural observations and data collection and dissemination
• Good DIY skills
• Sound knowledge of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment practices
• Experience carrying out animal presentations

The package:

• Complimentary zoo tickets for friends and family
• 28 days annual leave, increasing with longevity
• Staff discount in retail and food outlets
• Sick pay
• Pension scheme
• 40 hours per week including every other weekend and bank holidays. Working hours are 8.00-17.00 summer and 8.00-16.30 winter.