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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for reptiles and mentor junior staff while engaging visitors.
- Company: Colchester Zoological Society, a vibrant zoo with a passion for wildlife.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full uniform provided, and hands-on experience in animal care.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a difference in animal welfare and visitor education.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal husbandry and a love for reptiles and amphibians.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and learning in a unique environment.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 33000 £ per year.
Job Summary
An exciting position has arisen for a Senior Keeper at Colchester Zoological Society (CZS). Working within the Reptile Department, the successful candidate will be responsible for the husbandry, welfare, and management of a range of reptile, amphibian, fish, and invertebrate species. This role also involves mentoring junior staff, qualified keepers, volunteers, and students, while delivering engaging enclosure encounters for our visitors.
Main Responsibilities
- Provide excellent animal husbandry and welfare standards across a variety of species.
- Develop and enhance animal husbandry practices, breeding management, and enclosure design.
- Mentor and allocate tasks to junior staff, volunteers, and work experience students.
- Ensure safe working protocols, risk assessments, and adherence to zoo emergency procedures.
- Deliver informative and engaging enclosure encounters to zoo visitors.
Additional Details
This full-time position involves an average of 40 hours per week with potential weekend work during busy periods. The starting salary is £27,456 per annum and a full uniform is provided. The role may expose the employee to Category 1 animals, varied weather conditions, and other potential hazards inherent to zoo environments.
How to Apply
Candidates are invited to complete the CZS Employment application form and submit it along with a CV to Mrs Liz Butcher, Living Collections Manager at vacancies@colchesterzoo.org. Please note that the application must include a completed form and CV. The closing date for applications is 14th November 2025.
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Senior Animal Keeper – Reptile Section employer: Kate on Conservation
Contact Detail:
Kate on Conservation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Animal Keeper – Reptile Section
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the zoo and its team! Visit Colchester Zoo if you can, chat with current staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will give you a feel for the place and help you tailor your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for reptiles! When you get the chance to speak with the hiring team, share your experiences and knowledge about reptile care. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the animals you'll be working with.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you’d mentor junior staff and engage visitors. We love candidates who can demonstrate their leadership skills and creativity in delivering enclosure encounters. Have some examples ready!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Animal Keeper – Reptile Section
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: When writing your application, let your love for reptiles and other animals shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for animal husbandry and welfare, so share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your dedication.
Tailor Your CV and Application Form: Make sure to customise your CV and application form to match the job description. We’re looking for specific skills and experiences related to reptile care, mentoring, and visitor engagement, so don’t hold back on showcasing those!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and make sure to highlight your key achievements in animal care and management.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Colchester Zoo!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kate on Conservation
✨Know Your Reptiles
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the reptiles, amphibians, and other species you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with their husbandry needs, behaviours, and any recent developments in reptile care. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since mentoring junior staff is a key part of this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully guided others in the past. Think about specific situations where you helped someone improve their skills or knowledge, and be ready to discuss your approach to leadership and teamwork.
✨Engage with Visitor Experience
The role involves delivering engaging encounters for visitors, so think about how you can make these experiences memorable. Prepare ideas or examples of how you've previously interacted with the public or created educational opportunities around animal care. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with audiences.
✨Safety First
Understanding safety protocols is crucial in a zoo environment. Be prepared to discuss your experience with risk assessments and emergency procedures. Highlight any relevant training or certifications you have, and show that you prioritise safety for both animals and staff.