Job opportunities

Animal Welfare Coordinator

About the Role

Blackpool Zoo is one of the UK’s most established zoos and is operated by Parques Reunidos, one of the leading, leisure park operators in the world. With 50 years’ experience, it owns and operates over 30 leisure centres across Europe.

We are committed to excellence in animal care, welfare, and conservation and are seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Animal Welfare Coordinator to play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of animal care and welfare across our collection.

Working under the guidance of the Welfare/Records & Legislation Officer you will help develop and roll out Blackpool zoos new Animal welfare monitoring and compliance program supporting behavioural assessment and helping us to fulfil our commitment to ensure excellence and continuous improvement within the park’s operation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to be part of Blackpool Zoos future welfare management of all its species, and it is essential that the candidate has the passion to make a difference.

Key Responsibilities

·       Monitor and assess animal welfare across all species.

·       Conduct behavioural observations and welfare audits.

·       Ensure compliance with UK zoo licensing requirements.

·       Maintain accurate animal records using ZIMS.

·       Support inspection preparation and documentation.

·       Provide expert advice to animal care teams.

·       Develop and implement welfare improvement initiatives.

·       Lead and develop the Enrichment committee.

·       Work with the zoos research dept to identify appropriate welfare projects.

·       Present findings to all stakeholders in various formats

 About You

You will have:

·       A degree in Animal Welfare or a related field

·       Proven experience in a welfare and/or compliance-focused role

·       Strong expertise in animal behaviour observation and welfare assessment

·       Experience using ZIMS or equivalent animal record systems.

·       Demonstrable experience conducting audits, behavioural assessments, and welfare reviews.

·       Experience developing and implementing enrichment and welfare improvement programmes.

·       Strong analytical, report-writing, presentation, and data interpretation skills

·       Effective collaborator

Desirable Skills & Experience

·       Postgraduate qualification in Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare, Zoology, or a similar field

·       Experience working within the zoological or similar licensed Animal industry.

·       Experience delivering welfare training to animal care staff.

·       Research or academic contributions in animal welfare or behaviour.

·       Previous leadership or supervisory experience

What We Offer

.       Opportunity to shape and enhance welfare standards

·       Collaborative and supportive team environment

·       Ongoing professional development

·       Competitive salary dependent on experience

·       The chance to progress your career within a respected zoological collection and an  international leisure organisation.