Head Keeper (Maternity Cover)
Tropical World
Yorkshire, England Closing date for applications is: 9th May 2025| Contact: | Abigail Hardwick ([email protected]) |
| Sector: | Animal Care |
| Type: | Paid |
| Contract type: | Full-time |
| Salary: | £27,711 - £30,060 |
An exciting position has arisen for a Head Animal Keeper, based at The Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World at Roundhay Park working with a wide range of aquatics, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, small mammals and birds.
Tropical World is one of Leeds' most popular family attractions with over 300,000 visitors each year. The post-holder will be expected to work closely with the other on site teams, our zoo vet and both internal and external contractors to deliver a high quality visitor experience.
The successful candidate will be a flexible, well-motivated individual who can cooperatively lead the animal team to provide the highest levels of animal husbandry, conservation, education, and public access in this developing zoo.
As one of two Head Keeper’s you will line-manage members of staff including permanent keepers, seasonal staff, apprentices, and volunteers. The successful candidate will be expected to manage training programmes, keep stock inventories, and contribute to new developments, small projects, and the collection plan.
The successful applicant will need to be:
- Able to manage and motivate a diverse animal keeping team.
- A highly motivated, hard-working individual.
- Lead on Animal Training, Husbandry guidelines, visitor engagement.
- Able to take part in public presentations, keeper talks, social media outputs and demonstrate excellent communication skills.
- Willing to work weekends to a rota and on occasional evenings.
The successful applicant will have:
- A Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or equivalent qualification.
- A least 5 years’ experience working in a zoo environment and 2 years minimum in a supervisory position.
- Exceptional animal husbandry skills, high standards of animal care.
- A passion for Animal Welfare, Conservation, Education & Research.
- Previous practical experience of working with a range of species.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- An excellent understanding of health and safety in a zoological setting.
- An organised approach to managing animal records and reporting systems.
- A working knowledge of record keeping systems such as ZIMs.
- A full valid driving licence.
Apply for this job:
What we offer you:
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply:
Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Abigail Hardwick (Animal Officer) email [email protected]
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, candidates must consider their own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. For more information visit Skilled Worker visa on the government website. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.
