Head Animal Keeper

**Job Description: Head Keeper**

**Position Overview**:
**Key Responsibilities**:
**1. Animal Care and Welfare**:

- Ensure the highest standards of care for all animals within the collection.
- Implement and maintain enrichment programs to support the physical and mental well-being of animals.
- Develop and implement health and nutrition plans in collaboration with veterinary staff.

**2. Team Leadership**:

- Recruit, train, and lead a team of dedicated keepers.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Provide guidance and support to ensure the team's professional development.

**3. Collection Development**:

- Collaborate with senior management/directors to strategize and implement plans for expanding and diversifying the animal collection.
- Research and propose new acquisitions based on conservation priorities and educational objectives.

**4. Education and Outreach**:

- Work closely with the other departments to develop an engaging and informative schedule for visitors.
- Participate in public presentations and media engagements to promote the zoo's conservation and educational initiatives, including animal experiences, school groups etc.

**5. Facility Management**:

- Oversee the design and maintenance of animal enclosures to meet the highest standards of safety and welfare.
- Collaborate with relevant departments for the construction of new exhibits and facilities.

**6. Duty Manager Cover**:

- In the absence of directors, assume duty manager responsibilities.
- Coordinate and manage operational aspects of the zoo, ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning.

**Person Specification**:
**Education and Experience**:

- Animal Science related qualification.
- Proven experience in a senior zoo keeper or supervisory role.
- Demonstrated success in animal collection development.

**Skills and Abilities**:

- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- In-depth knowledge of animal behaviour, health, and welfare.
- Ability to develop and implement enrichment programs.

**Qualities**:

- Passion for wildlife conservation and education.
- Innovative and forward-thinking approach to zoo management.
- Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.

**Additional Information**:
The duty manager cover is a separate salaried position, compensating for the added responsibility during the absence of directors.

**Rate of Pay**:~£25,000-27,000

**Note**: Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- throughout the advertising period. This opportunity will be closed once we identify a suitable _

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £25,000.00-£27,228.63 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Store discount

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Overtime
- Weekend availability

**Education**:

- Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Zoo Management: 5 years (required)

Ability to Commute:

- Sevenoaks, TN15 7JL (required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Sevenoaks, TN15 7JL: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person