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- Tasks: Care for reptiles and deliver engaging experiences for zoo visitors.
- Company: Join Colchester Zoo, a leading conservation-focused attraction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a team dedicated to animal welfare and education.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in zoological collections and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work with diverse species and contribute to conservation.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 31000 £ per year.
Senior Keeper – Reptile Section
Location
Colchester, East Anglia, United Kingdom
Contract
Full‑time, Paid Contract – Salary: £27,456
Closing date
14th November 2025
Contact
Liz Butcher, Living Collections Manager – vacancies@colchesterzoo.org
Overview
Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species and is dedicated to supporting conservation projects worldwide. As an award‑winning visitor attraction with over 1 million guests each year, CZS ensures an unforgettable experience for all visitors. The Reptile Section welcomes a Senior Keeper to work full‑time within the Animal Department, caring for reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
Responsibilities
- Carry out routine husbandry duties and maintain high welfare standards for species in your care.
- input ideas for continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design.
- ensure safe working protocols and practices and maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of risk assessments.
- deliver enclosure encounters and experiences for visitors, featuring a range of species across the section.
- collaborate with the Animal Department team to meet conservation and educational objectives.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 4 years’ experience working in a zoological collection.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Knowledge of husbandry best practices for reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
- Commitment to animal welfare and visitor education.
Application
Further details of the role can be found here: CZS Careers. Please send a copy of your CV, the application form (PDF) and a covering letter to Mrs Liz Butcher, Living Collections Manager, via email at vacancies@colchesterzoo.org.
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Senior Keeper - Reptile Section 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 Senior Keeper - Reptile Section
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the zoological field, especially those who work at Colchester Zoo or similar places. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they're really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, make sure to share your love for reptiles and conservation. Talk about your experiences and how they’ve shaped your commitment to animal welfare and visitor education.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! As a Senior Keeper, you might be asked to demonstrate your husbandry skills. Brush up on your knowledge of best practices and be ready to showcase your expertise in caring for reptiles and other species.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Colchester Zoo and contributing to their amazing conservation efforts.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Keeper - Reptile Section
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with reptiles and other species mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for animal welfare and conservation. We love seeing candidates who can communicate their commitment to visitor education and animal husbandry.
Follow the Application Instructions: Don’t forget to include all required documents: your CV, application form, and cover letter. We appreciate attention to detail, so make sure everything is in order before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Reptiles
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Be prepared to discuss specific species and their husbandry needs, as well as any recent developments in the field. This shows your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Senior Keeper role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
With a minimum of 4 years’ experience required, be ready to share specific examples from your past roles. Highlight your achievements in animal care, breeding management, and enclosure design. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain complex concepts related to animal welfare or visitor education, so ensure you can convey these ideas in an engaging way.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the zoo's conservation projects, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you determine if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.
