Colchester Zoological Society
East Anglia Closing date for applications is: 9th Oct 2026
Contact: Liz Butcher (vacancies@colchesterzoo.org) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £34,008 p.a
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 Colchester Zoo in a full-time role working within our Familiar Friends section; a mixed taxa section responsible for meerkats, rainbow lorikeets, Aldabra tortoises, koi carp, invertebrate species, and domestic and companion animals.
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.
Alongside the section’s Team Leader, the job holder will be responsible for mentoring and managing more junior employed staff members; lead keepers, senior keepers and qualified keepers, and volunteers; student keepers and work experience students. The job holder will also be responsible for deputising to the Team Leader and leading the section in their absence.
The candidate will ensure, and be able to develop, safe working protocols, practices and risk assessments for working in and around the species on the section. The job holder will deliver enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species across the section, as well as deliver educational husbandry content to visiting college groups. The candidate will also look to lead internal zoo subcommittees, where appropriate, and be willing to represent, and present, at external conferences on behalf of CZS
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 full time position with a start date as soon as is possible. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailing essential requirements for the position.
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Deputy Team Leader - Familiar Friends employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Activate Learning is an exceptional employer that values the passion and dedication of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and professional growth are at the forefront. Located in the picturesque Surrey countryside, employees benefit from a vibrant environment that fosters learning and development, alongside opportunities to engage with a diverse animal collection. With a commitment to high standards of animal welfare and education, Activate Learning provides a meaningful and rewarding career for those looking to make a difference in the animal industry.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
