Lead Keeper - Habitat Design

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Habitat Design Lead Keeper within the Bird Department at ZSL London Zoo. This is a hands‑on role suited to an experienced bird keeper with strong avian husbandry knowledge and a practical aptitude for habitat design, environmental management, and exhibit development. Working with a collection of over 100 bird species, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring habitats support the behavioural, welfare, breeding, and environmental needs of a diverse and dynamic collection.

Alongside undertaking full daily keeper duties, the Habitat Design Lead Keeper will provide technical guidance and practical support to colleagues in habitat construction, environmental management, and exhibit improvement projects. The role requires a combination of advanced husbandry knowledge, creativity, and practical skills, including carpentry, habitat construction, landscaping, and rockwork design. Working under the direction of the Section Manager, you will help ensure Environmental Management Plans remain current, evidence‑based, and effectively implemented across the department. The role does not include direct line‑management responsibility but requires leadership through mentoring, collaboration, and the promotion of best practice.

• Habitat Design & Environmental Management: Coordinate habitat design, maintenance, and development projects across the Bird Department. Supporting aviary refurbishment, exhibit redevelopment, and environmental enhancement initiatives.
• Technical Mentoring & Keeper Support: Provide practical guidance and mentoring to keepers in habitat‑related skills and environmental management. Supporting colleagues in developing confidence with carpentry, habitat construction, exhibit maintenance, and the safe use of tools and equipment.
• Operational Support: Undertake all routine keeper responsibilities including husbandry, enrichment, behavioural monitoring, training, and record keeping.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work collaboratively with veterinary, horticulture, maintenance, and conservation teams to deliver high‑quality exhibits and welfare outcomes.

About You

• Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) level or equivalent qualification.
• Significant practical experience working with birds within a zoological setting.
• Strong practical capability and genuine enthusiasm for species‑focused habitat design and environmental management.
• Proven hands‑on experience in habitat construction and refurbishment.
• Knowledge of species‑appropriate aviary design, environmental complexity, and habitat furnishings that promote natural behaviours and positive welfare outcomes.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload while supporting collaborative team delivery.
• Experience working with a diverse bird collection and adapting husbandry and habitat management techniques to meet the needs of a wide range of species.

This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of under‑represented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What do we offer?

• Our vision and purpose – you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science‑led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.
• Pension scheme – we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays.
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
• Cycle2Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
• Season ticket loan – we offer an interest free loan for eligible London‑based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.

We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI‑generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.

If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at recruitment@zsl.org.