British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Head Animal Keeper
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Johnsons of Old Hurst
East of England
Closing date for applications is: 31st Jul 2026
Contact:
Andy Johnson (zoo@johnsonsofoldhurst.co.uk)
Sector:
Animal Care
Type:
Paid
Contract type:
Full-time
Salary:
£36,000
The Position
Head Keeper
We are seeking a forward-thinking, dynamic, and practical Head Keeper to lead our dedicated team and help shape the future of our modest but growing zoological collection. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional who is passionate about animal welfare, team leadership, and delivering an exceptional visitor experience within our friendly, family-run environment.
Leading a team of four keepers, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the animal collection. You will be supported by a specialist consultant who oversees legislative compliance and associated documentation, allowing you to focus on practical leadership, animal care, and collection development.
This is a hands-on role, and the successful candidate will be expected to lead by example, working alongside the team to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare while ensuring our guests enjoy a safe, engaging, and memorable visit.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of four animal keepers.
- Oversee the daily operation and management of the animal collection.
- Drive continuous improvements in animal welfare and husbandry standards.
- Contribute to the ongoing development and growth of the zoological collection.
- Identify and implement practical solutions to operational and maintenance challenges.
- Support and enhance the visitor experience through professionalism and excellent animal care.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven experience in a supervisory role within a zoological collection (Team Leader level or above).
- Significant practical experience working with large carnivores, together with a broad knowledge of other animal taxa.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to lead from the front.
- A strong commitment to animal welfare, health and safety, and continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Experience of managing and maintaining animal records.
- Competence using Microsoft Office, AI tools and other digital platforms.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Experience with firearms is desirable.
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Qualifications
A Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or an equivalent zoo-focused qualification is desirable.
If you are an enthusiastic keeper looking to take the next step in your career and play a key role in developing a growing collection while inspiring both your team and our visitors, we would love to hear from you.
About Us & Zoo Highlights
Johnsons Zoological Gardens is a family orientated zoological visitor attraction, that is intergrated into a working farm, farm shop, tea room and steakhouse. As an operational farm, we have been farming using traditional methods for over a century. Our passion is to provide local produce, with the highest quality in flavour, variety and freshness and to do it in a sustainable way. We encourage our customers to educate themselves about how we rear our animals by allowing access to the farm and the zoo. The zoo was developed to allow people from all walks of life, regardless of their background, to emerse themselves in nature, wild animals and our native woodland. Conservation of native species is embedded in all aspects of the business and is the focus of our conservation efforts.
Until recently, we were the only zoo in the UK with sloth bears, a fascinating species from South Asia, and we are full participants in the EEP for this threatened species. More recently we have built new enclosures for a group of ring-tailed lemurs and a pair of tigers have been the latest addition to what is a growing animal collection. We are about to import two female lions from a breeding centre in Uganda that will represent increased genetic diversity for the UK zoo population, and it is our intention to help encourage a coordinated breeding consortium of interested zoos. We have one of the largest collections in both number and species of crocodilians in the UK.
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Living in the Area
Nestled in the picturesque Cambridgeshire countryside, the charming village of Old Hurst offers the perfect balance of peaceful rural living and excellent transport connections. Surrounded by beautiful farmland, nature reserves and scenic walking routes, the area provides a tranquil setting while remaining conveniently close to larger towns and cities.
Old Hurst is ideally situated just a short drive from Huntingdon and St Ives, with excellent road links via the A14 and A1, making travel straightforward. Cambridge can be reached in around 30 minutes, offering world-renowned universities, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. For those travelling further afield, direct rail services from nearby Huntingdon provide fast and regular connections to London King's Cross in under an hour, making commuting or visiting the capital both convenient and accessible.
To help make your move as smooth as possible, we are happy to assist in identifying and recommending suitable rental accommodation in the local area, helping you find a home that best suits your needs and preferences.
In addition, all members of staff are provided with complementary lunches as part of their working day.
Apply For This Job
Should a suitable candidate apply, the position may be filled prior to the final closing date.
Please apply to the following address: zoo@johnsonsofoldhurst.co.uk
with a covering email letter, full CV and the names and contact details of two suitable referees.
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