British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Section Head - Ungulate Department
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Dudley Zoo & Castle
West Midlands
Closing date for applications is: 31st Aug 2026
Contact: Nicky Reynolds (hr@dudleyzoo.org.uk)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: £30,698 per annum
This role is a full-time permanent position including weekends and Bank Holidays.
An exciting position has arisen for an experienced Section head to join our team working within our Ungulate department; a mixed taxa section responsible for Giraffe, Brazilian tapirs, Barbary sheep, Asian small clawed otters, Red panda, Parma wallabies and all stock contained within our Castle Creatures and reptile house habitats.
Duties
The successful candidate will lead a team of keepers and supervise all areas of daily animal operations, with duties to include although not be limited to:
- Managing all daily husbandry duties to ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare.
- Management of the team in terms of rotas, annual leave, appraisals and CPD
- Demonstratable leadership skills, able to positively lead, motivate and continually develop teams and individuals.
- Working closely with other departments such as maintenance, development, veterinary teams to ensure optimum animal welfare is the primary goal at all times
- Ensuring that zoo policies, procedures and protocols are followed at all times. This includes updating and reviewing of risk assessments, SOPS/SSOW when necessary
- Ensuring all animal records are being recorded accurately and promptly to the required standard
- Be aware of new legislation coming into effect and assist zoo management in ensuring compliance across site
- Be familiar with BIAZA/EAZA policies
- Assist the curatorial team when necessary and carry out any additional duties relevant to the role as requested.
- Have demonstratable experience and a good working knowledge of accepted safe working practices around Cat 1/1A animals
- Take an active role in the collection plan and specific habitat planning
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The successful candidate will be highly motivated, flexible and committed, with a good knowledge of the conservation and educational roles of modern zoos. They will have excellent communication skills, being able to engage effectively with both staff and visitors alike. They will demonstrate good forward planning skills and deliver a positive ethos across the team and collection as a whole.
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Essential Qualifications And Skills
- Minimum Level 3 qualification in Animal Management or equivalent.
- Candidates should have demonstrable previous experience of working in a zoo environment and advantage if in a similar role.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and ZIMS experience
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience in managing and developing a team
- Specialist knowledge or advanced expertise in one or more areas of animal management.
- Firearms certification or experience
Please note only successful applicants will be contacted.
Apply For This Job
To apply for this position please send your full CV and covering letter to: hr@dudleyzoo.org.uk
Or
Nicky Reynolds
Dudley Zoo and Castle
Castle Hill
Dudley DY1 4QF
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