At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead animal care teams and ensure top-notch animal welfare and safety standards.
- Company: Join Africa Alive Zoological Reserve, a leader in animal care and conservation.
- Benefits: Earn £35,000 per year with full-time hours and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on animal enrichment and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in zoo management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Africa Alive Zoological Reserve, East Anglia. Closing date for applications is: 1st Mar 2026. Contact: Marion Bartlett (recruitment@zsea.org). Sector: Animal Care. Type: Paid. Contract type: Full-time. Salary: £35,000 per annum.
Overview
We are seeking two motivated and experienced individuals to join our Animal Management teams (one at Banham Zoo and one at Africa Alive) as Deputy Animal Managers. Acting as second-in-command to the Animal Manager, you will support the daily leadership of the department, ensuring high standards of animal welfare, husbandry, safety, staff performance and operational efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Overseeing daily routines and supporting keeping teams.
- Maintaining excellent welfare, enrichment and behavioural management standards.
- Supporting compliance, licensing, Health & Safety and emergency procedures.
- Coaching and developing Team Leaders and wider teams.
- Contributing to collection planning, enclosure development and species management.
- Acting as Animal Duty Manager when required.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive, practical experience in managing or supervising staff within a zoological or wildlife institution.
- Significant, practical taxonomic and husbandry knowledge across a wide range of species.
- Relevant zoo qualifications (e.g., DMZAA) or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrable experience of modern husbandry methods including behavioural training and enrichment.
- Strong decision-making, leadership and communication skills.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety requirements, biosecurity, and risk management.
- In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation.
- Ability to prioritise, coordinate, and support multiple teams.
- Experience working with ZIMS or similar animal management systems.
- Confident public communication skills.
- Firearms licence or willingness to obtain one.
Apply For This Job
Please send your CV and a short covering letter, explaining why you would be a great fit for the role, to recruitment@zsea.org. Full copies of the job descriptions are available on request.
Deputy Animal Manager employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
At Africa Alive Zoological Reserve, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises animal welfare and staff development. Our team enjoys competitive salaries, comprehensive training opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in wildlife conservation within the beautiful setting of East Anglia. Join us to be part of a dedicated community that values collaboration, innovation, and the growth of both our animals and our people.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Animal Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the animal care sector, especially those at Africa Alive or Banham Zoo. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance for an interview, be ready to share specific examples of your experience with animal management and team leadership. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for practical assessments! For a role like Deputy Animal Manager, you might be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of animal welfare and husbandry on the spot. Brush up on your skills and be ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Africa Alive. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Animal Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Animal Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in animal care and management, and don’t forget to mention any qualifications that match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role and how your skills align with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to see your passion for animal welfare!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and decision-making skills. We love seeing how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your animal husbandry knowledge and be ready to discuss specific species you’ve worked with. Familiarise yourself with modern methods of behavioural training and enrichment, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or supervised teams in the past. Think about situations where you had to make tough decisions or coach team members, as this will demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Understand the Regulations
Get clued up on Health & Safety requirements, biosecurity, and relevant legislation. Being able to discuss how you ensure compliance in your previous roles will show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since public communication is part of the job, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might even want to prepare a short presentation on an animal welfare topic to showcase your confidence and knowledge during the interview.
