Senior Zookeeper

Crawley Borough Council

Crawley, UK

On-Site

Expires: Expiring in less than 2 weeks

Community

Full time

£31,410 - £33,759 per year

Reference: NHS412
Division: Community Services
Salary: £31,410.00 - £33,759.00 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Posted on: 05 August 2025
Interview date:25 August 2025
Extra payment(s): 14% weekend work allowance

Positions: 1
Category: Community and streets
Grade: F
Working hours: 37 per week
Closing date: 18 August 2025
Location: Tilgate Park, Crawley
Location type: Onsite

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About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Zookeeper at Tilgate Zoo where we are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic individual to join our team.

BIAZA Accredited Tilgate Zoo is located in Tilgate Park, a top tourist attraction. The park attracts over 750,000 visitors per year and has been inducted into the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame.

As part of a dynamic team caring for a collection of around 200 animals from over 70 different species, you will be involved in all aspects of supporting the management of the zoo. This includes organising the keeping team, carrying out animal husbandry, assisting with conservation initiatives and supporting our compliance with current and upcoming Zoo Licensing standards.

We are looking for a knowledgeable individual who holds a DMMZA or equivalent qualification and has at least five years experience in a zoo environment. You will be familiar with relevant legislation, preferably with working knowledge of the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.

Reporting to the Zoo Manager, the role is a varied one. If successful you be working with a range of domestic and non-domestic species. However, in this senior position there is an elevated level of supervisory responsibility which extends to organising and coaching the team as well as an amount of administrative tasks including staff rostering, ordering supplies, animal record keeping, updating diet sheets, risk assessments and SOPs. There is also the expectation that you support the rest of the team with site maintenance so some experience of DIY and gardening would be an advantage.

We believe this is an excellent role for someone looking to develop and embed their leadership skills alongside their zoo management experience.

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible, as we may close this advert before the stated closing date if enough applications are received.

Additional information

The post is from Tuesday to Saturday with Sundays and Mondays as non-working days.

For all posts evening, weekend, Bank Holidays and ‘rest day’ working may be required to cover essential services for which a 14% enhancement will apply, in line with our local pay agreement.

A full and current UK driving licence will be a requirement of the role.

Satisfactory clearance of a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service will be a condition of employment as the post involves regular contact with children and vulnerable adults.

Employee benefits

We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

Our way of working

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Safer recruitment

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

How to apply

Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form.

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email sam.whitbread@crawley.gov.uk, Tilgate Zoo Manager, or call 01293 521168.