Wingham Wildlife Park, South East. Closing date for applications: 31 Dec 2025. Contact: Mr Matthew Jay (headkeeper@winghamwildlifepark.co.uk).
Sector: Animal Care. Type: Paid Contract. Employment type: Full‑time. Salary: £32,081.40 per annum.
Role
The Deputy Head of Carnivores takes a hands‑on approach to ensuring that animal care is conducted to the high standards expected on a day‑to‑day basis. They lead a team and supervise all aspects of animal husbandry, and public engagement.
* Managing all areas of animal husbandry within the carnivore department when the Head of Carnivores is not present and making decisions/changes to ensure the smooth operation of the section.
* Liaising with the Head of Carnivores and Head Keeper to ensure that diets are prepared and given out correctly.
* Assisting the Head of Carnivores and Head of Training with implementing training plans within the department and ensuring that all staff are following these procedures correctly.
* Ensuring correct medication is given to animals and liaising with the Head Keeper/Head of Carnivores if any concerns.
* Ensuring enclosure security and reporting any concerns immediately.
* Communicating with the Head Keeper any stock that needs ordering, including dry stock and fresh produce.
Additional Responsibilities
* Report directly to the Head Keeper, Curator and Directors when the Head of Carnivores is not present.
* Train and develop a team of up to 5 keepers under your supervision.
* Assist the Head Keeper and Head of Carnivores with conducting performance reviews of staff and suggest improvements.
* Supervise apprentices, volunteers and interns when on section, including during the interview process.
* Engage with visitors and develop public keeper talks.
* Ensure all paperwork is kept up to date and correctly filled in.
* Assist to plan how the section is run with the Head of Carnivores and Head Keeper.
* Attend the daily end‑of‑day meeting.
Qualifications
* Proven experience working with carnivores in a zoological setting for at least 2 years.
* Some experience managing a team of people, preferably 1 year or more.
* Be a team player with the ability to motivate your team whilst under pressure.
* Excellent communication skills.
* Some IT skills with a working knowledge of Zims is desirable (full training will be given).
Benefits
* Permanent contract.
* 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays).
* In‑house training, plus access to an extensive training budget covering external workshops, conferences, symposia and online courses.
* Free staff parking.
* Free entrance to the zoo on your days off plus 5 complimentary day tickets per year.
* Uniform.
* 30% staff food discount.
* 40% staff drinks & snacks discount.
* 20% animal experiences discount.
* 10% gift shop discount.
How to Apply
All applications should be addressed to Mr Matthew Jay and sent to headkeeper@winghamwildlifepark.co.uk, along with a covering letter, CV and a list of all species you have worked with. Use the reference DEPUTY in the email title. Applications received through other channels will be disregarded.
You must be eligible to work in the UK. This vacancy will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, so please submit your application as soon as possible. Successful candidates will be contacted via email to arrange an interview, which will include a full day practical element as well as a formal interview.
Unfortunately, we are unable to comment on unsuccessful applications.
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