Colchester Zoological Society is home to over 150 species and is dedicated to supporting conservation
projects around the globe. As an award-winning visitor attraction with over 1 million guests visiting
each year, every staff member at the zoo works together to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable
and unforgettable experience.
JOB TITLE: Senior Animal Keeper Carnivore Section
An exciting position has arisen for a Senior Keeper to join our team and contribute to our mission
at Colchester Zoo in a full-time role working within our carnivore department; a mixed taxa section
responsible for Malayan Sun Bear, Amur Leopard, Cheetah, Fennec Fox, Giant Anteater, Asian Short
clawed Otter, Binturong, Red Panda, Pileated Gibbon, Wreathed Hornbill and Lion-tailed Macaque.
JOB SUMMARY: The candidate will work within the Animal Department to carry out husbandry
duties and maintain high standards of welfare for the animal species in their care. As a senior keeper, the candidate will be required to input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section.
Alongside more senior members of staff, the job holder will be responsible for mentoring and allocating work duties to junior employed staff members; qualified keepers and volunteers; student keepers and work experience students.
The candidate will ensure safe working protocols and practices and have a good understanding of risk assessments.
The job holder will deliver enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species across the section.
MAIN JOB PURPOSE:
- Provide excellent husbandry standards and welfare to a range of species
- Mentor and allocate work duties to junior members of staff and volunteers
- Ensure safe working practices across the animal section
- Deliver enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors
OTHER KEY ACTIVITIES:
- Demonstrate commitment to continuous personal development.
- Perform other duties as reasonably directed by the Animal Management Team (Zoological Director, Manager of Living Collections and Head Keeper)
WORKING HOURS: This is a full-time position. An average of 40 hours a week (5 days) which will
include regular weekend work and will increase in busy periods.
UNIFORM: Full uniform (including boots) will be provided. Full uniform must be worn at all
times with a name badge.
SALARY: £29,432 per annum
EVALUATION: For the first three months of employment, the jobholder will be asked to complete
a one month and three month self-assessment. This will gauge their feelings of the
job and assess their progress towards meeting targets.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
- CZS is a non-smoking environment and smoking is not permitted by members of staff whilst on the premises.
- CZS is an equal opportunities employer.
- You may be required to work offsite on animal transfers on occasion.
Whilst doing this job, the employee is likely to be exposed to:
- Category 1/1A animals
- Outside weather conditions
- Tropical exhibits with high temperatures
- Moving mechanical parts
- Toxic or caustic chemicals
- Lifting heavy loads
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in applying, please complete the CZS Employment application form, Please ensure all sections of the application form are completed, do not enter ‘Refer to CV’.
Submit your CV and completed Employment Application Form to Mrs Liz Butcher, Living Collections
Manager, via the Apply button below.
Closing date is 27th November 2026.
Please be aware that we will only process applications that include a completed application form
and CV. We do have a lot of interest in our vacancies, if you have not heard from us after four weeks
of submitting your application you should assume you have not been successful on the occasion
Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.