Senior Zookeeper

Tilgate Zoo
South East Closing date for applications is: 18th Aug 2025Contact: | Sam Whitbread ([email protected]) |
Sector: | Animal Care |
Type: | Paid |
Contract type: | Full-time |
Salary: | From £31,410 |
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Zookeeper at Tilgate Zoo where we are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic individual to join our team.
BIAZA Accredited Tilgate Zoo is located in Tilgate Park. The Park is a top tourist attraction having been inducted into the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame, receiving upwards of 750,000 visitors per year.
As part of a dynamic team caring for a collection of over 70 species you will be involved in all aspects of supporting the management of the Zoo. This includes organising the keeping team, carrying out animal husbandry, assisting with conservation initiatives and supporting our compliance with current and upcoming Zoo Licensing standards.
We are looking for a knowledgeable individual who holds a DMMZA or equivalent qualification and has at least five years experience in a zoo environment. You will be familiar with relevant legislation, preferably with working knowledge of the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.
Reporting to the Zoo manager, the role is a varied one. If successful you be working with a range of domestic and non-domestic species. However in this Senior position there is an elevated level of supervisory responsibility which extends to organising and coaching the team as well as an amount of administrative tasks extending to staff rostering, ordering supplies, animal record keeping, updating diet sheets, Risk Assessments and SOPs. There is expectation that you support the rest of the team with site maintenance so some experience of DIY and/or gardening would be an advantage.
We believe this is an excellent role for someone looking to develop and embed their leadership skills alongside their zoo management experience.
Apply for this job:
To apply, visit https://crawley.gov.uk/council-information/jobs-and-careers/current-vacancies/senior-zookeeper-0
For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email Tilgate Zoo Manager on [email protected], or call on 01293 521168.