British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Team Leader - Africa Section
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Colchester Zoological Society
East Anglia
Closing date for applications is: 7th Aug 2026
Contact: Liz Butcher (vacancies@colchesterzoo.org)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: £36,292 per annum
About the Organisation
Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) 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.
About the Role
An exciting position has arisen for an experienced Team Leader to join our team and contribute to our mission at CZS in a full-time role working within our Africa section; a mixed taxa section responsible for spotted hyena, cheetah, mandrill, l’hoest's monkey, warthog, crowned crane, Kirk’s dik dik, blue duiker and blue crane.
Responsibilities
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- Manage the Africa section driving forwards the husbandry and welfare standards of the animal species in their care.
- Input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry, breeding management and enclosure design on the section.
- Lead the section and mentor, motivate and manage section staff (deputy team leader, lead keepers, senior keepers and qualified keepers).
- Produce safe working protocols, practices and risk assessments for working in and around the species on the section.
- Deliver enclosure encounters and experiences to zoo visitors for a range of species across the section.
- Deliver educational husbandry content to visiting college groups and social media.
- Lead internal zoo subcommittees, where appropriate, and be willing to represent, and present, at external conferences on behalf of Colchester Zoo.
Requirements
- Highly motivated and hardworking.
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience working in a zoological collection.
- Excellent customer service, communication and animal husbandry skills.
- Previous experience supervising staff and managing risk in a zoo environment.
- Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or an equivalent qualification.
- Full valid driving licence.
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Contract Details
This is a permanent position with a start date as soon as is possible. A personnel specification is available on the job description detailing essential requirements for the position.
Application Instructions
Please send a copy of your CV, our application form (Application Form 2023) and a covering letter for the attention of Mrs Liz Butcher, Living Collections Manager, by email to vacancies@colchesterzoo.org
Further Information
Further details of the job role can be found here: Job Role Details
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