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- Tasks: Care for reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates while leading a passionate team.
- Company: Join Colchester Zoological Society, a top-rated zoo dedicated to conservation.
- Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare and inspire future generations of wildlife enthusiasts.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in zoology, strong leadership skills, and a relevant diploma required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with over 1 million visitors annually.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species and is dedicated to supporting conservation projects around the globe. As an award-winning visitor attraction with over 1 million guests visiting each year, every staff member at the zoo works together to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
An exciting position has arisen for an experienced Deputy Team Leader to join our team and contribute to our mission at CZS in a full-time role working within our Reptile department; responsible for a range of reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species. The successful candidate will work within the Animal Department to carry out husbandry duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care.
As a Deputy Team Leader, the candidate will be required to input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section. The applicant will be expected to oversee the daily supervision of junior staff, student keepers and work experience, ensure safe working protocols and practices, have a good understanding of risk assessments and manage the section in the absence of the Team Leader.
We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 7 years’ experience working in a zoological collection. Excellent customer service, communication and animal husbandry skills are essential, as is previous experience supervising staff and managing risk in a zoo environment. Applicants should have the Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or an equivalent qualification and have a full valid driving licence. This is a permanent position with a start date as soon as is possible.
Responsibilities- Carry out husbandry duties and maintain high welfare standards for reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates in the section.
- Input ideas for continual progression in animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design.
- Oversee daily supervision of junior staff, student keepers and work experience participants.
- Ensure safe working protocols and practices; understand risk assessments.
- Manage the section in the absence of the Team Leader.
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a zoological collection.
- Excellent customer service, communication and animal husbandry skills.
- Experience supervising staff and managing risk in a zoo environment.
- Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or an equivalent qualification.
- Full valid driving licence.
Deputy Team Leader - Reptile Section employer: BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
Contact Detail:
BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Team Leader - Reptile Section
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the zoological field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CZS and its conservation projects. Show us your passion for animal welfare and how your experience aligns with our mission. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for our team culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to animal husbandry and team management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Team Leader - Reptile Section
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with reptiles and animal husbandry. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Deputy Team Leader, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion: Let your love for animals shine through in your application! Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to conservation and animal welfare. We’re all about passion at StudySmarter, and we want to see yours!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
✨Know Your Reptiles
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with their husbandry needs, breeding behaviours, and any recent developments in enclosure design. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to supervise and mentor junior staff. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project. Highlight how you ensured safe working practices and maintained high welfare standards.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex information simply, especially when discussing animal care or risk assessments. This will help you connect with the interviewers and showcase your customer service skills.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role and the zoo's conservation efforts. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Ask about their current projects or future plans for the Reptile Section.
