British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Deputy Head Keeper
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Northumberland College Zoo
North East
Closing date for applications is: 18th Aug 2026
Contact: Steven Sykes (steven.sykes@northumberland.ac.uk)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Part-time
Salary: £27,189 per annum pro rata
Deputy Head Keeper
Zoo
Location: Northumberland
Salary: £27,189 per annum pro rata
Post Type: Part Time
Hours per Week: 18.5
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 08 July 2026
Reference: 0409-26
About The College
Kirkley Hall Campus is Northumberland College’s second largest site and a centre of excellence for land-based, animal and outdoor education. Part of Education Partnership North East - the top performing college group in the North East for the third year running*, Kirkley Hall offers a unique and inspiring environment.
Set within 400 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside, and as the top performing land-based college nationally*, the campus provides access to specialist, industry-standard facilities that support practical, hands-on learning.
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Our on-site residential provision was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025, enabling students from across the UK to take advantage of the exceptional opportunities available here.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About The Candidate
As Deputy Head Keeper you will be part of the Management team here at Northumberland college zoo contributing to both the commercial and curriculum offer we provide here while placing welfare at the heart of all we do.
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About The Role
This role will see you day to day maintain and look after the species in our care while ensuring our learners and guests have the best experience.
Role Responsibilities
- Manage, drive forward and maintain one of the sections here at the zoo
- Contribute and support the Head Keeper with our welfare strategy
- Deputise on a weekend rotation and holidays as duty manager overseeing the commercial side of the zoo
Qualifications
- Level 3 or above in animal Related Qualification
Essential Skills & Experience
- At least 1 year's experience of working in a commercial animal business.
- At least one year's experience in a paid environment working with young adults and children
Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)
- Supervising small team of staffing a day to day basis
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0409-26 Deputy Head Keeper - Jobs at EPNE
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