Colchester Zoological Society
East Anglia
Closing date for applications is: 31st Dec 2026
Contact: Liz Butcher (vacancies@colchesterzoo.org)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: £29,432 per annum
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.
Senior Keeper – Familiar Friends Section
An exciting position has arisen for a Senior Keeper 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 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 Senior Keeper, 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 candidate will ensure safe working protocols and practices and have a good understanding of risk assessments. The job holder will deliver enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species across the section.
We are looking for an individual who is highly motivated and hardworking, with a minimum of 4 years’ experience working in a zoological collection. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailing essential requirements for the position.
Senior Keeper 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
