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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in delivering top-notch animal care and visitor experiences.
- Company: Crocodiles of the World, a conservation-focused zoo with an international reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and the chance to inspire thousands.
- Why this job: Shape the future of wildlife conservation while working with diverse species.
- Qualifications: Experience in zoo management and a strong understanding of animal behaviour.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to conservation and education.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 35000 £ per year.
Overview
Crocodiles Of The World, South West
Closing date for applications is: 6th February 2026.
Contact: Shaun Foggett (jobs@crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk).
Sector: Management. Type: Paid. Contract type: Full-time. Salary: £32,000 - £35,000 Depending on experience.
About The Role
As Head Keeper, you will lead the zoo keeping team with day-to-day operational leadership, ensuring the highest standards of animal care, welfare, safety, and visitor experience. This is a hands-on leadership role at the heart of our mission to inspire, educate, and conserve.
Key Responsibilities
- Team Leadership
- Lead, support, and develop the zoo keeping team.
- Conduct training, performance reviews, and workforce planning.
- Foster a positive culture built on teamwork, innovation, and high performance.
- Animal Care & Husbandry
- Work on site as part of the hands-on daily zookeeping team.
- Oversee and set standards for husbandry, welfare, behavioural management, and record-keeping.
- Act as point of contact for operational animal-related issues.
- Manage animal records, databases, and health & safety documentation.
- Visitor Experience
- Ensure animal areas are presented to an excellent standard each day.
- Support out-of-hours events and animal-related media, donor, and VIP interactions.
- Promote Crocodiles of the World’s conservation work and contribute to exhibit development and refurbishment.
- Operational Management
- Act as Duty Manager when required.
- Uphold a positive, proactive health & safety culture.
- Assist with emergency procedures and the zoo’s Firearms Team operations.
- Support zoo licensing compliance, documentation, and professional collaboration with other zoos and associations.
- Encourage research and scientific thinking within the team.
- Set standards and protocols for enhanced visitor/animal contact experiences.
About You
Essential Experience
- Significant experience working with a diverse range of species in a zoo setting.
- Proven experience leading people within an operational environment (mentoring, scheduling, performance management).
- Experience developing animal projects, enclosures, or exhibits to a high standard.
Essential Skills & Knowledge
- Advanced understanding of animal behaviour and best-practice management.
- Strong knowledge of relevant taxa, conservation issues, and population management.
- Good working knowledge of health & safety procedures.
- Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with varied audiences.
- Innovative thinker with the ability to implement new ideas.
Desirable
- Degree or equivalent experience in zoology, biology, or a related field.
- Experience with zoo licensing and emergency procedures (including firearms teams).
- Experience overseeing zoological project developments.
Additional Requirements
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather and in high-temperature indoor environments.
- Physically able to meet the demands of an active, labour-intensive role.
- Commitment to safeguarding, diversity, inclusion, and ethical practice.
- Availability to work on a rota including weekends and bank holidays.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a unique, conservation‑focused zoo with an international reputation. You’ll work alongside passionate experts, contribute to meaningful conservation initiatives, and inspire thousands of visitors each year.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant skills and experience to: jobs@crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk
Your CV Should Include
- Full name, address, and contact details
- Employment and educational history
- Names and contact details of two referees (one must be your current or most recent employer; references will only be contacted for shortlisted candidates)
Closing Date for Applications: 6th February 2026
Interview Location: In person only at Crocodiles of the World, Oxfordshire – by arrangement
Head Keeper employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Keeper
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the zoo! Before your interview, spend some time researching Crocodiles of the World. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and any recent projects. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! As a Head Keeper, you'll need to demonstrate your experience in leading teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed a team or resolved conflicts. We recommend rehearsing these stories so you can share them confidently during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for conservation! Make sure to highlight any relevant experiences or projects that showcase your commitment to animal welfare and conservation efforts. This is a key part of the role, and we want to see how you can contribute to Crocodiles of the World's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the zoo's future plans or team dynamics. This shows that you're engaged and eager to be part of the conversation. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Keeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head Keeper role. Highlight your experience with animal care, team leadership, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about conservation and how you can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and animal care skills. We’re interested in 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 helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the species you'll be working with. Understanding their behaviours, needs, and conservation issues will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed. This will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As a Head Keeper, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on mentoring and performance management. Highlight any innovative ideas you've implemented that improved team dynamics or animal care.
✨Engage with Visitor Experience
Think about how you can enhance visitor interactions with animals. Be ready to discuss your ideas on creating engaging experiences and how you would promote conservation efforts. This shows that you understand the importance of visitor engagement in a zoo setting.
✨Prepare for Operational Scenarios
Familiarise yourself with health and safety procedures, as well as emergency protocols. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle various operational challenges, including managing animal-related issues or acting as Duty Manager. This will demonstrate your readiness for the hands-on nature of the role.
