Animal Team Leader - Birds and EctothermsWelsh Mountain Zoo - National Zoological Society of Wales

Location: Wales

Closing date for applications: 21st Sep 2025

Contact: Chris Dinwoodie (hr@welshmountainzoo.org)

Sector: Animal Care • Type: Paid • Contract type: Full-time • Salary: £31,385

Working at the Welsh Mountain Zoo is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to be part of a committed, expert team, united by a shared passion: Bringing Conservation to Life. And there’s nowhere better to do that than in the breathtaking surroundings of North Wales.

For over 60 years, we’ve been caring for rare and endangered animal and plant species, engaging the public, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. Now, as we enter an exciting period of growth and investment in our zoo, we’re looking for a skilled and motivated

Animal Team Leader .

You’ll work closely with our Head of Animals and Mammals Team Leader; helping to shape, manage and grow our bird and ectotherm departments, while leading and supporting a team of passionate keepers and volunteers.

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring expertise in birds or ectotherms, professionalism, and a genuine passion for animals and people.

What You’ll Bring

Significant experience of working with an EAZA/BIAZA collection in a Zoo/Wildlife Park

An expert background and experience of working closely with either:

Birds – with experience across a range of species, including breeding, welfare, and behavioural enrichment, or

Ectotherms – with knowledge of temperature and environmental control, nutrition, and specialist husbandry practices

A solid knowledge of evidence-based animal care and welfare practices

Line management experience and a passion for developing your team

Evidence of ongoing professional development with birds or ectotherms

A Level 3 Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (DMZAA) or equivalent

Excellent communication skills

A positive solutions-focused mindset

Strong IT literacy

Key Responsibilities Include

Leading and inspiring a team of Animal Keepers and volunteers

Shaping, managing and growing our bird and ectotherm departments

Promoting and implementing evidence based best practices in animal care, welfare, enrichment, and training

Supporting and coordinating research, student placements, and collaborative learning opportunities

Promoting and maintaining high standards of health and safety

Role modelling and delivering outstanding levels of guest service

Join UsIf you’re passionate about animal welfare and conservation, thrive in a leadership role, and want to play a central part in shaping the future of a growing zoo – we’d love to hear from you.

Staff BenefitsAs well as working with our wonderful animals and amazing team in one of the most beautiful visitor attractions in North Wales, we also provide access to:

training and development opportunities

free family admission to our zoo and partnership zoo''s

free uniform

free staff parking

our Employee Assistance Wellbeing Programme

discounts in our restaurant, gift shop, and sweet shop

holiday scheme which increases with service up to 33 days*

company sick pay*

our pension scheme*

After qualifying service

(Please note shared accommodation may be available with this role - to be discussed at interview.)

Apply for This Job

To apply for this role please send your CV and cover letter (maximum 2 page) to hr@welshmountainzoo.org

Your cover letter should outline your motivation for joining our team to help us deliver our mission, and also provide some details about how you meet the requirements for the role as detailed above in the What You’ll Bring section.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

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