Team Leader - Africa Section
Colchester Zoological Society, East Anglia
Closing date for applications: 7th Aug 2026
Contact: Liz Butcher (vacancies@colchesterzoo.org)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid Contract, Full-time
Salary: £36,292 per annum
Responsibilities
- Manage the Africa section, driving forward husbandry and welfare standards of the animal species in your care.
- Input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design in the section.
- Lead the section and mentor, motivate and manage staff, including deputy team leaders, lead keepers, senior keepers and qualified keepers.
- Produce safe working protocols, practices and risk assessments for working in and around the species on the section.
- Deliver enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species in the section, and deliver educational husbandry content to visiting college groups and via social media.
- Lead internal zoo subcommittees where appropriate, and represent Colchester Zoo at external conferences.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Minimum seven years’ experience working in a zoological collection.
- Excellent customer service, communication and animal husbandry skills, with previous experience supervising staff and managing risk in a zoo environment.
- Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or an equivalent qualification.
- Full valid driving licence.
- Permanent position with a start date as soon as possible; personnel specification available with essential requirements.
Team Leader - Africa Section employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling role as a Storesperson at the iconic Edinburgh Zoo. With a strong commitment to wildlife conservation, RZSS fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing through generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and access to a healthcare plan. Employees also enjoy unique perks like free entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo, making it a rewarding place to grow professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
