Lead Keeper - Twilight

The Lead keeper will provide the highest standards of animal husbandry, welfare and exhibitory to the varied group of animals under the care of the Twilight team, which include species of rodents, Xenarthra , Macropods , small carnivores and our free flight bat habitat. The role will involve supporting the Assistant Team Manager in the daily management of the section, along with leading, training and working closely with other team members under the direction of the Team Manager to ensure the highest standards are met. The successful candidate will provide extensive knowledge and proven expertise in small mammal husbandry and management with a wide variety of species within a zoological environment. There will be a requirement to supervise voluntary workplace students working alongside our keeper team and to cover visitor experiences.

• Have substantial experience working in a zoological or conservationbreeding facility
• Have an HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science
• Have a strong work ethic
• Be able to demonstrate good leadership qualities
• Be an enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated team player
• Have outstanding observational skills and excellent attention to detail
• Be able to organise and prioritise tasks in a dynamic environment and have good problem solving and excellent time management skills.
• Have a thorough knowledge of small mammal husbandry
• Excellent communication skills.
• Competency in the use of computers and basic software packages, including ZIMS software, would be advantageous.
• A good understanding of risk assessments and safe operating procedures
Essential:
• This role may involve representing Chester Zoo and the team for media interviews and internal and external meetings workshops and conferences. Therefore, excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• A full clean UK driving licence is essential.
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  We re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that s home to 20,000 incredible animals. We re not just the UK s most popular zoo. We re a major wildlife charity that s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work? As the UK s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there s always lots going on here. We re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 500 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting, and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.


• Full time, permanent contract
• 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank Holidays as rostered.
• 33 days annual leave
• Salary 28,898.96 per annum increasing to 29,260.20 from 01 April 2025
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends.
• Access to healthcare plan
• Employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%