Longleat
South West Closing date for applications is: 8th Nov 2026
Contact: Emma Leach (emma.leach@longleat.co.uk) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £37,000 - £40,000
Longleat is excited to announce a rare opportunity to join the Animal Operations team at Longleat as Team Manager.
Responsible for operational delivery within the ‘Animal Adventure’ section of the Longleat Animal Department, this role will oversee that section, ensuring our animal care practice adhere to welfare assurance and compliance under the 2027 Standards of Modern Zoo Practice as well as EAZA and BIAZA membership requirements.
The role will manage around 40 staff within Animal Adventure in line with departmental strategy set by the Head & Deputy Head of Animal Operations, and we are therefore seeking someone well-versed in good people management practices alongside their passion for animal care.
The well-loved ‘Jungle Cruise’ also operates from within the ‘Animal Adventure’ section and this role will therefore be responsible for the safe operation of the boat trips, ensuring these meet Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) legal standards.
Key Duties Include
- Ensuring safe, compliant, and effective delivery of animal care, staff deployment, and visitor-facing activity.
- Ensuring animal welfare is optimal, species appropriate and supported by robust evidence-based assessments.
- Providing leadership excellence in customer service, visitor interaction, and conservation messaging.
- Ensuring professional presentation, standards of conduct, inclusive behaviour and visible leadership.
- Developing and supporting departmental protocol and policy development, ensuring procedures are reviewed, communicated and implemented.
Key Required Skills Include
- Diverse range of demonstrable knowledge of biology, animal welfare science, behaviour, nutrition, enrichment, animal training, and husbandry of species.
- Evidence of good Leadership skills including ability to manage a large team with clarity, empathy, accountability, fairness, and resilience..
- Ability to develop and manage budget, staffing levels, resources, procurement, and project delivery.
- Demonstrated knowledge of health and safety methodology, incident reporting, emergency planning, biosecurity, and safe systems of work.
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Team Manager, Animal Adventure 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
