Job opportunities

Deputy Head Keeper

Deputy Head Keeper Advert

Northumberland Zoo is a major animal attraction in the Northeast of England. With the addition of numerous brand-new exhibits in the past few years, including our highly recognised critically endangered Livingstone’s fruit bat enclosure, our future is looking bright with ambitious plans for growth including several new species. We are a family-run, not-for-profit zoo and we are looking for a like-minded team player to join our team; you must be willing to adopt our Zoo ethos and join our mission in conservation, education & sustainability to inspire positive change.

With our zoo mission in mind, we are very driven and determined to become the leading zoological collection in our area and are ideally placed to be the wildlife education hub for the Northeast. Being not-for-profit means that every penny we earn goes straight back into our developments. Plus, with conservation partnerships, such as the Environment Agency, Northumberland Rivers Trust as well as the Wildlife Trust, we are paving the way for native species conservation in this area, including our white clawed crayfish and harvest mice reintroduction programmes.

We have an exciting opportunity for the role of Deputy Head Keeper to be a front runner in the management of our animal department, working alongside the Head keeper. Our animal department is currently split into 6 sections with a range of taxa from large carnivores and small mammals to birds and ectotherms, and also a varied domestic hoof stock area. Alongside our current goals, we are beginning developments to expand both our zoo site and animal collection with an ambitious 10 year master plan.

Main Duties & Job Responsibilities

·        Mentoring and developing the animal keeper team under the guidance of the Head keeper

·        Working closely with the Head keeper to ensure the efficient day to day running of the animal department and deputising in their absence.

·        Guaranteeing the highest standards of husbandry and welfare across all taxa including formal welfare monitoring and ethical review, overseeing the animal experiences and displays and enrichment and training programmes.

·        Liaising with other departments and ensuring good communication to assist with the effective running of the zoo to meet our mission goals

·        Designing, refurbishing and maintaining enclosures with high standards of welfare and exhibit design to enhance natural behaviour

·        Strict adherence to and enforcing within the team risk assessments, bio security and safe working practices along with creating and reviewing policies and procedures.

·        Representing the zoo at a senior level during animal presentations, encounters and external conferences.

Skills and Experience

·        At least 5 years of professional zoo work experience working with animals in a zoological environment

·        Must have high animal welfare standards with regards to care and daily husbandry routines and a passion for wildlife conservation

·        Qualified in an appropriate animal science or conservation discipline – DMZAA or equivalent and above

·        Proven people management skills with experience of leading a team and mentoring others

·        The role is very much a ‘hands on’ position with a strong emphasis on the coaching of individuals, setting standards and team building. You will need to be able to manage and prioritise a diverse workload, have good problem-solving skills and have a strong understanding of the relevant animal husbandry required for the species kept within the Zoo.

·        As well as sharing responsibility for the keeper team, you will also be part of the Senior
Animal Management team within the zoo. In this role, you will help the Curator develop new exhibits and move the animal department forward in exciting times as Northumberland Zoo flourishes.

·        You will need to be hard working, physically fit, enthusiastic, and reliable with conservation at the heart of your drive, helping to push our message not only amongst the keepers, but to members of the public as well through an exciting array of animal behaviour displays and public talks in our Wild Theatre and around the zoo

·        Experience with implementing environmental enrichment and operant conditioning

·        Outstanding observational skills when working with the animals in the park, understanding animal behaviour

·        The ability to keep accurate records relating to animal welfare. Experience in the use of ZIMS would be advantageous

General

·        Full driver's license and access to a vehicle required due to rural setting of zoo

·        Great communication skills are required along with a proven track record of guiding and mentoring other staff

·        Must have a positive outlook and be extremely well organised with the ability to manage a busy and varied workload

·        Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including working on weekends, during school holidays as well as bank holidays on a rota with the rest of the current animal care team.

·        The ability to remain calm and prioritise effectively in busy situations.

·        Be physically fit as this role includes a lot of walking, bending and lifting various loads.

·        Have a basic understanding of DIY and associated practical skills

·        Be aware of, adhere to and enforce zoo policies at all times

·        Cooperate with other Zoo departments

·        Take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills

Benefits

28 days holiday (including BHs) rising to 33 with service

5 days company sick pay after 1 year’s service

Staff discount in our cafe and gift shop

Nest Pension scheme (statutory contributions)

Free Zoo entry whilst you are an employee 

+16 additional free Zoo passes per year for family and friends