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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team caring for diverse domestic species at Whipsnade Zoo.
- Company: Join ZSL, a leading conservation charity dedicated to wildlife preservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and complimentary zoo tickets.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while working in a beautiful countryside setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care and leadership, with a full driving license required.
- Other info: ZSL values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Lead Keeper – Domestics role at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
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Join to apply for the Lead Keeper – Domestics role at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Keeper to join the Domestic section at Whipsnade Zoo, the UK’s largest zoo, set in over 600 acres of beautiful countryside and home to more than 11,000 animals.
In this role, you’ll lead a dedicated and passionate team of zookeepers who are committed to continually improving welfare and husbandry for a diverse range of domestic species. The section cares for a variety of rare and traditional breeds recognised by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), including Dartmoor Ponies, Shetland Cattle, Middle White pigs, Bagot goats, Guernsey goats, Boreray sheep, Soay sheep, Manx Loaghtan sheep, and Grey Faced Dartmoor sheep. The team also manages a large herd of Soay sheep, Bagot, and Cashmere goats for conservation grazing across our Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in a world-leading conservation organisation, contributing directly to our global mission: a world where wildlife thrives.
ZSL’s zoos operate 7 days a week, and this role requires an average of 37.5 hours per week, worked on a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays.
Key responsibilities:
- Team Leadership: Supervise the Animal Team daily, including zookeepers, apprentices, seasonal staff, and volunteers, ensuring effective operations and providing mentoring and support.
- Animal Care & Welfare: Maintain the highest standards of animal care, monitor health and welfare, and report or advise on any concerns within the section.
- Operational Oversight: Oversee day-to-day section operations, ensuring agreed procedures, safety standards, and best practices are consistently followed.
- Record Keeping & Systems: Lead on accurate record keeping, including the use and supervision of the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).
- Representation & Collaboration: Engage with industry Working Groups, Committees, and Programmes, actively representing ZSL and contributing to sector-wide collaboration.
- Inclusion & Flexibility: Promote and adhere to ZSL’s equality and diversity policies.
About You:
- A thorough understanding of the legal duty of care under animal health and welfare legislation and the secretary of state’s standard of modern zoos practice.
- Good working knowledge of heath and safety implementation, policies, and procedures.
- Be responsible for own time management to reconcile the demands of the job with those of general Zoo Keeping.
- An ability to deliver presentations and keeper talks confidently and professionally.
- Strong commitment to creating a culture that lives ZSL values and a commitment to safeguarding.
- This post will require extensive outside working with direct exposure to the weather and animals.
- Staff who are contracted in this role at our Whipsnade Zoo site require a full manual driving license as an essential requirement.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate\’s right to work in the UK.
We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.
About Us:
We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
What do we offer?
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:
- Our vision and purpose – you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
- Pension scheme – we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
- Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you
- Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays
- Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
- Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops
- Cycle2Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle
- Season ticket loan – we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work
- Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.
It’s important to personalise your application to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over-reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.
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Lead Keeper - Domestics employer: Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Contact Detail:
Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Keeper - Domestics
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific breeds mentioned in the job description, such as Dartmoor Ponies and Shetland Cattle. Understanding their care requirements and conservation status will show your commitment to animal welfare and make you stand out during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous leadership experience you have, especially in a zoo or animal care setting. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed teams and improved animal welfare in your past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with ZSL's mission and values before your interview. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with their conservation goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of ZSL if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Keeper - Domestics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in animal care, team leadership, and conservation efforts. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing a team and ensuring animal welfare.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for animal welfare and conservation. Mention your understanding of the legal duties under animal health legislation and how your values align with ZSL's mission.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous roles that involved supervising teams or working with domestic species. Highlight your knowledge of rare breeds and any conservation projects you've been part of.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for animal care and welfare during the interview. Discuss any relevant experiences you have had with domestic animals, especially those mentioned in the job description, like Dartmoor Ponies or Soay sheep.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Lead Keeper, you'll be supervising a team. Be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience, how you've mentored others, and how you handle team dynamics. Highlight any specific situations where you successfully led a team through challenges.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ZSL's Values
ZSL places a strong emphasis on equality and diversity. Research their values and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. Share any personal experiences that align with these values.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about practical scenarios related to animal care and operational oversight. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, particularly regarding health and safety protocols.
