British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Lead Keeper
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Northumberland Zoo
North East
Closing date for applications is: 30th Oct 2026
Contact: Lucy Edwards (l.edwards@northumberlandzoo.co.uk)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: £29,994
We have an exciting opportunity for the role of Lead Keeper at Northumberland Zoo. This role will fit in with the growth of our animal department due to development of the zoo site and the arrival of new species as part of our ambitious Master Plan.
As a Lead Keeper you will be part of a dynamic team, reporting to, working alongside and deputising for the two Team Managers. The animal department is split into two teams - Carnivores Team and Herbivores Team. Species range from large carnivores including cats and bears, small carnivores, nocturnal mammals, hoof stock, primates, herptiles and birds of prey. Your role will be to inspire and mentor the keepers and volunteers to enhance the zoos mission. You will be responsible for ensuring the best standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibit presentation are being carried out. In addition to this, you will be supporting both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, education and research along with providing input into new zoo developments.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- The Lead Keeper will assist the Team Managers in the running of the animal department at ground level, and overseeing it in their absence
- Leading the way in day-to-day husbandry routines for various species and guiding and motivating Keepers, students and volunteers
- Providing behavioural output-based enrichment opportunities for various species on a daily basis and carrying out and evaluating animal training using operant conditioning
- Leading keepers in ensuring high standards of animal welfare including welfare assessments
- Designing, refurbishing and maintaining enclosures with high standards of welfare and exhibit design in mind
- Ensuring that all keepers adhere to risk assessments, bio security and safe working practices
- Representing the zoo during animal presentations, encounters and external conferences
- Working effectively in a team as well as on your own without supervision, supervising animal keepers and occasionally deputising for senior management
- Leading by being passionate and driven with a positive outlook, to help the zoo achieve its mission and goals
- Observations and record keeping with great attention to detail and communicating well within the animal team and all zoo departments
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Skills And Experience
- At least 4 years of professional zoo work experience working with animals in a zoo environment with a range of taxa. Experience with large carnivores, particularly bears would be an advantage
- Experience of leading a team and mentoring others.
- Must have high animal welfare standards with regards to care and daily husbandry routines
- Qualified in an appropriate captive wild animal husbandry, biological or conservation discipline
- Experience with implementing environmental enrichment and operant conditioning
- Outstanding observational skills when working with the animals in the park, understanding animal behaviour and health monitoring
- The ability to keep accurate records relating to animal welfare. Experience in the use of ZIMS would be advantageous
- You will need to be hard working, physically fit, enthusiastic, and reliable with conservation at the heart of your drive, helping to push our message not only amongst the keepers, but to members of the public too
- Be well organised, with excellent initiative and a positive outlook
- Have strong interpersonal skills and be confident to interact with the public whilst demonstrating the zoos values
- The ability to remain calm and prioritise effectively in busy situations
- Good DIY skills
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Benefits
- 28 days holiday (including BHs) pro rata, rising by 1 day per year to max 33 with service
- 1 additional day off for your birthday after a successful probation
- Company sick pay package after a successful probation
- Nest Pension scheme (statutory contributions)
- Staff discount in our gift shop and other local perks
- Free Zoo passes each year for family and friends
- £5 daily food allowance in the zoo cafe
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