Colchester Zoo is looking for a new senior animal keeper

Colchester Zoo, in Maldon Road, currently has an opening for a Senior Keeper in its carnivore section.

The role falls under the zoo’s animal care team. It is a full-time position with 40 hours per week and comes with a yearly salary of £26,104.

According to Colchester Zoo, a successful applicant will be responsible for providing “excellent husbandry standards and welfare to a range of species".

Incredible - a lion at Colchester Zoo (Image: Danny Owen)

Husbandry refers to the raising and breeding of animals.

This includes carnivores like the Malayan Sun Bear, Amur Leopard, African Lion, Fennec Fox, Giant Anteater, Asian Short-clawed Otter, Binturong, Red Panda, Pileated Gibbon, Wreathed Hornbill and Lion-tailed Macaque.

You will also need to continually input ideas to the team on the animals’ development, breeding management and their enclosure design.

It will also be required to mentor and allocate work duties to junior staff members, qualified keepers, volunteers and more.

Safe working protocols and practices will have to be upheld to the highest standards as well.

Beautiful - a leopard at Colchester Zoo (Image: Danny Owen)

The candidate will also be expected to deliver customer experiences such as enclosure encounters as well.

To be in chance with being shortlisted for an interview, you will need some essential skills.

Colchester Zoo is looking for a candidate who has four to seven years of experience in a “zoological collection”, especially for its husbandry skills.

You must have a diploma in management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals, a full driving licence, and other important traits and skills.

Cute - a Red Panda at Colchester Zoo (Image: Josh London)

The 40-hour position will take place over five days and will require regular weekend work which will increase in busy periods for the zoo.

A full uniform, boots, and a name badge will be provided to the successful candidate and must be always worn.

During the first five months of the role, the keeper will be asked to complete self-assessments at different points.

The closing date for applying candidates is June 7.

To find out more or to apply, head to colchester-zoo.com/senior-keeper-carnivore-section.