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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team of zookeepers in caring for diverse domestic species.
- Company: Join Whipsnade Zoo, the UK's largest zoo set in stunning countryside.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fulfilling role with opportunities for professional growth and animal welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation while working with rare and traditional breeds.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care and team leadership is essential.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a commitment to wildlife thriving.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Keeper to join the Domestic section at Whipsnade Zoo, the UK’s largest zoo, set in over 600 acres of beautiful countryside and home to more than 11,000 animals. In this role, you’ll lead a dedicated and passionate team of zookeepers who are committed to continually improving welfare and husbandry for a diverse range of domestic species. The section cares for a variety of rare and traditional breeds recognised by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), including Dartmoor Ponies, Shetland Cattle, Middle White pigs, Bagot goats, Guernsey goats, Boreray sheep, Soay sheep, Manx Loaghtan sheep, and Grey Faced Dartmoor sheep. The team also manages a large herd of Soay sheep, Bagot, and Cashmere goats for conservation grazing across our Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in a world‑leading conservation organisation, contributing directly to our global mission: a world where wildlife thrives. ZSL’s zoos operate 7 days a week, and this role requires an average of 37.5 hours per week, worked on a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays.
Key responsibilities:
- Team Leadership: Supervise the Animal Team daily, including zookeepers, apprentices, seasonal staff, and volunteers, ensuring effective operations and providing mentoring and support.
- Animal Care
Lead Keeper employer: Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Contact Detail:
Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Keeper
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the zoo and conservation community. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for animal welfare! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and what drives you to work in conservation. Let them see your dedication to improving animal husbandry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation. Know their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Keeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for animal care and conservation shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the chance to lead a team dedicated to improving animal welfare.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in animal husbandry and team leadership. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams or improved animal care practices in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the Lead Keeper role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Whipsnade Zoo.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the domestic species mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with their care, behaviour, and any conservation efforts related to them. This will show your passion for animal welfare and your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you mentored others or improved team dynamics. This is crucial as you'll be supervising a dedicated team of zookeepers, so demonstrating your leadership style will be key.
✨Understand Conservation Goals
Research ZSL’s mission and conservation initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. Showing that you’re not just interested in the role but also in the bigger picture will set you apart.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team's current projects, challenges they face, or future conservation plans. It shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.