Head of Carnivores

Wingham Wildlife Park is a family run wildlife park with a big emphasis on animal husbandry, conservation, education and safety for our animals, staff, and visitors. We are looking for a like-minded “team player” who would lead our carnivore team in caring for 15 species. This section includes species such as Tigers, Lion, Jaguars, Cheetahs, Pumas, Otters, Binturong, Caracal, Clouded Leopards, Servals, Asian Palm Civet, Geoffroys Cats, Eurasian lynx, Arctic wolves, and Asiatic Black Bears.

This full‑time position (45 hours per week) requires people to be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including on weekends, during school holidays and on bank holidays.

The Role

• Taking a hands‑on approach to ensuring that animal care is conducted to the high standards we expect on a day‑to‑day basis.
• Leading a team and supervising all aspects of animal husbandry, with duties including but not limited to:

• Managing all areas of animal husbandry within the Carnivore Section.
• Liaising with the Head Keeper to ensure that diets are prepared and given out correctly.
• Developing animal training protocols and implementing them with the Head of Training.
• Ensuring correct medication is given to animals and liaising with the Head Keeper if any concerns arise.
• Ensuring enclosure security and reporting any concerns immediately.
• Developing and implementing any health and safety protocols within the Section.
• Communicating with the Head Keeper any stock that needs ordering, including dry stock and fresh produce.
• Assisting veterinary staff when required.

In Addition, You Will Also

• Report directly to the Head Keeper, Curator and Directors.
• Train and help develop a team of up to 6 keepers under your supervision.
• Supervise apprentices, volunteers and interns when on section, including during the interview process.
• Assist the Head Keeper with conducting performance reviews of staff and suggest improvements.
• Engage with visitors and conduct guest experiences.
• Develop and conduct keeper talks to the public and school groups.
• Ensure all paperwork is kept up to date and correctly filled in.
• Attend daily end of day meetings with the other senior keeping staff.

What You Need To Be Considered For The Role

• A passion for all carnivore species.
• At least 3 years proven experience working with carnivores in a zoo setting.
• Experience managing a team of people.
• Be a team player with the ability to motivate your team whilst under pressure and time constraints.
• Excellent communication and observation skills.
• The ability to work outside in all weathers and lift loads of up to 20 kg.
• Some IT skills with a working knowledge of Zims (however full training will be given).

Benefits

• Permanent Contract
• 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
• In‑house training, plus access to an extensive training budget covering external workshops, conferences, symposia, and online courses.
• Free staff parking
• Free entrance to the zoo on your days off plus 5 complimentary day tickets per year.
• Uniform
• 30% staff food discount
• 40% staff drinks & snacks discount
• 20% animal experiences discount
• 10% gift shop discount

Apply For This Job

All applications or questions about this position should be addressed to Mr Matthew Jay at headkeeper@winghamwildlifepark.co.uk along with a covering letter, CV and list of all species. For applications to this job please use reference “Head Carnivores” in the email title. Any applications through other channels will be disregarded. You must be eligible to work in the UK. This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, therefore you should submit your application as soon as possible. All successful candidates will be contacted via email to arrange an in‑person interview which will include a practical element. Unfortunately, we are unable to give comment on unsuccessful applications.