ZSL is looking for a dedicated and experienced Team Leader to join our Ectotherms Department at the iconic London Zoo, Regent’s Park.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the care and conservation of an extraordinary collection of ectotherms, including critically endangered amphibians and reptiles. You’ll work with species such as Lake Oku Frogs, Mountain Chickens, Chinese Giant Salamanders and Darwin’s Frogs, alongside Komodo Dragons, Ethiopian Mountain Vipers and Galápagos Tortoises. You will also have opportunities to support the husbandry of our coral, terrestrial invertebrates and live food collections, giving you the chance to work across a diverse and fascinating range of species.
As Team Leader, you’ll help champion high standards of animal welfare and best-practice husbandry, while supporting the development of the team through training, mentoring and day-to-day leadership. You will work closely with the Section Manager and fellow Team Leader, contributing to the ongoing development of husbandry protocols and helping ensure the department operates safely, effectively and to a consistently high standard.
The role also offers plenty of opportunity to collaborate across ZSL, working with colleagues in areas including facilities, purchasing, animal health, health and safety, animal encounters and visitor-facing activities.
This is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours per week on a rota basis, including weekends and bank holidays.
Key responsibilities:
- Team Planning & Rotas: Manage and monitor section rotas, ensuring appropriate staffing levels at all times and agreeing any overtime in advance with the Section Manager.
- Protocols & Best Practice: Develop and implement safe systems of work, risk assessments, training processes, and animal husbandry best practice procedures.
- Health & Safety Leadership: Champion a strong health and safety culture by regularly reviewing risk assessments, identifying training needs, and ensuring the safety of staff, visitors, and animals.
- Staff Training & Mentorship: Train, mentor, and supervise team members, maintaining high standards of welfare, cleanliness, safety, and maintenance across the section.
- Hands-on Animal Care: Work as an active member of the keeper team, supporting daily husbandry duties and maintaining excellent hygiene and housekeeping standards.
- Animal Health & Record Keeping: Monitor animal health, administer veterinary treatments as directed, and maintain accurate records and follow-up observations.