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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in caring for diverse animals and ensure top-notch husbandry standards.
- Company: Join Chester Zoo, the UK's most popular zoo and a leading wildlife charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, healthcare plans, gym discounts, and free zoo visits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while working in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have zoological experience and a relevant degree or HND; leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: This role may involve media representation, so strong communication skills are a must.
The predicted salary is between 24800 - 28900 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit a Lead Keeper on our Twilight section. The Lead Keeper will provide the highest standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibitory to the varied group of animals under the care of the Twilight team, which include species of rodents, Xenarthra, Macropods, small carnivores and our free flight bat habitat.
The role will involve supporting the Assistant Team Manager in the daily management of the section, along with leading, training and working closely with other team members under the direction of the Team Manager to ensure the highest standards are met. The successful candidate will provide extensive knowledge and proven expertise in small mammal husbandry and management with a wide variety of species within a zoological environment. There will be a requirement to supervise voluntary workplace students working alongside our keeper team and to cover visitor experiences.
The Package
- Full time, permanent contract
- 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.
- 33 days annual leave
- Salary £28,898.96 per annum increasing to £29,260.20 from 01 April 2025
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends.
- Access to healthcare plan
- Employee assistance programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
- Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%
Our Requirements
- Have substantial experience working in a zoological or conservation-breeding facility
- Have an HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science
- Have a strong work ethic
- Be able to demonstrate good leadership qualities
- Be an enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated team player
- Have outstanding observational skills and excellent attention to detail
- Be able to organise and prioritise tasks in a dynamic environment and have good problem solving and excellent time management skills.
- Have a thorough knowledge of small mammal husbandry
- Excellent communication skills.
- Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous.
- A good understanding of risk assessments and safe operating procedures
Essential: This role may involve representing Chester Zoo and the team for media interviews and internal and external meetings, workshops and conferences. Therefore, excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. A full clean UK driving licence is essential.
More About Us
We're not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that's home to 20,000 incredible animals. We're not just the UK's most popular zoo. We're a major wildlife charity that's committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we're making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it's needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
As the UK's biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there's always lots going on here. We're an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development.
We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting, and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.
Lead Keeper - Twilight employer: Chester Zoo
Contact Detail:
Chester Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Keeper - Twilight
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific species mentioned in the job description, such as rodents, Xenarthra, and Macropods. Understanding their husbandry needs and behaviours will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Chester Zoo, especially those in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. Since the role involves training and supervising others, think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or managed a project in a zoological setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your communication skills, as you'll need to represent Chester Zoo in various settings. Practising how to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently will be crucial for media interviews and meetings.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Keeper - Twilight
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Lead Keeper position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in animal husbandry and management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your substantial experience working in zoological or conservation-breeding facilities. Provide specific examples of your leadership skills and any training you have conducted with team members.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application is well-written and free of errors. Consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in media or public settings.
Demonstrate Passion for Conservation: Express your enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and the mission of Chester Zoo in your application. Share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase your commitment to animal welfare and conservation efforts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive knowledge and experience in small mammal husbandry. Be prepared to discuss specific species you've worked with and any relevant conservation efforts you've been involved in.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Lead Keeper, you'll need to show that you can lead and train a team effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully managed a team or mentored others in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves representing Chester Zoo in various settings, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare for potential questions about your communication style and how you handle media interactions.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific challenges in animal care or team management. Think of examples where you've successfully solved problems in a dynamic environment and be ready to share those experiences.
