Animal Lead Keeper

This role requires multiple years' experience working with large exotic animals, ideally with a focus on hoof stock. Internal applicants must be silver keeper or above.

**What will this role entail?**

Reporting directly to the Manager for Safari you will lead the hoof stock keeping team, not only supervising the daily care of the animals and promoting excellent levels of guest experience but guiding and supporting all the keepers within the team in terms of their day to day work and development.

Key duties will include:

- Leading on all aspects of daily husbandry, management of resources, as well as enclosure maintenance and improvement.
- Providing support to ensure high levels of proficiency throughout the team.
- Monitoring and observing the health and security of animals, including behaviour patterns and reporting any problems to the Team Manager.
- Actively interacting with guests, providing assistance and responding to escalated enquires and complaints.
- Ensuring that section policies and procedures and standard operating procedures are adhered to at all times and assist the Team Manager in policy development.
- Assist Team Managers in maintaining databases for ex situ populations (EEP/ESB) as well as using ZIMS, and of working on in situ and ex-situ conservation projects.
- Assisting with the preparation of approved diets and carrying out the correct feeding procedures.
- Ensuring that all animal areas are clean and fit for purpose. Including log and reporting any maintenance issues to Team Manager.

**What will I need to be considered for this vacancy?**
- It is essential you have experience in an animal collection, with specific vocational and technical skills pertaining to the husbandry and management of the managed species.
- DMZAA qualification or suitable recognized experience equivalent.
- Proven history in a supervisory role essential
- Experience of visitor interactions within an animal organization and driven by the buzz of working in a busy environment
- Flexibility with working hours to meet company requirements
- Have an ability to work under pressure
- Excellent observational skills and the ability to identify animal health problems quickly.
- Ability to carry out agreed veterinary treatments accurately as determined by vet team/team leader/curator.
- Good record keeping and follow up observations on treatments and conditions.
- A Full UK Clean Driving Licence.
- Excellent interpersonal skills

**What will I receive in return?**

We offer a range of attractive benefits that include;
- 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
- Complimentary tickets to Longleat
- Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
- Company Pension
- Life assurance cover and more perks.

You’ll be employed on a permanent 40 hour contract with working hours to vary over a 7 day rota basis, including weekends, evening and bank holidays as required.

**Location**: Longleat (Warminster, Wiltshire)