British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) – Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
Location: South East – Isle of Wight
Closing date for applications: 18th Jan 2026
Salary: £27,500 per annum (Full‑time, 40‑hour week including weekend cover)
Job Title
Senior Animal Carer
Responsibilities
* Carry out animal husbandry routines as instructed
* Report observed welfare, behavioural or veterinary concerns promptly to Animal Manager/Deputy Manager
* Undertake and record animal observations as set out in the record‑keeping policy
* Participate in animal management operations and veterinary intervention as required, complying with medical treatment programmes
* Provide animal training & enrichment in line with agreed protocol
* Prepare and present diets in line with agreed diet sheets
* Help to supervise animal carers, work‑experience students, interns and volunteers – report any issues to Deputy/Head of the animal department
* Act as in‑charge of the department in the Head and Deputies’ absence
* Maintain exhibits and surrounding areas to a high standard of presentation, hygiene and tidiness
* Report any maintenance or wear and tear to Animal Manager
* Assist where instructed with pest control and other department projects
* Ensure a good working knowledge of the conservation work undertaken by the Trust and provide advice/expertise on supported projects
* Design and implement informal talks and encounters, training staff on delivery and evaluating effectiveness
* Use and store equipment such as radios, tools, power equipment, scanners, capture and transport equipment with due care
* Prepare for and attend regular departmental meetings and undertake agreed actions
* Prepare regular reports for discussion in departmental meetings
* Maintain animal records as per sanctuary protocol; help keep the ZIMS record‑keeping system at a high standard
* Attend regular firearms training and other required training sessions; identify additional training with supervisor for professional development
* Comply with all health & safety requirements as per the Health and Safety Manual
* Participate in animal escape drills and be aware of emergency response procedures
* Monitor health and safety on section and assist with staff training, ensuring necessary documentation is filled out and up to date
* Participate in education, media and marketing initiatives as required
* Engage with visitors informally and formally through talks promoting The Wildheart Trust’s conservation aims and insights into the sanctuary’s animal collection
* Help prepare for zoo licence and BALAI inspections
* Learn and maintain understanding of departmental and other relevant sanctuary policies
Qualifications
* Diploma in Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals (Sparsholt College) or equivalent
* Preferred experience with big cats, bears, primates, small mammals and reptiles
* Minimum 2 years at a zoological collection working with a range of species
* Full UK Driving Licence
How to Apply
Email marc.fox@wildheartanimalsanctuary.org with attached CV & cover letter.
Interviews provisionally scheduled for W/C 26th Jan with a view to start work mid‑March.
Equal Opportunity Statement
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and can provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
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