COLCHESTER Zoo is looking for a new team leader for its animal care team.

The role, one of seven on offer now at the Maldon Road attraction, will see the successful applicant work with a range of species including the zoo's primates and great apes.

The job advert states: "The successful applicant will be expected to manage a team of staff and oversee the the care of a range of species, input ideas for the continual progression and development of animal husbandry and enclosure design and carry out talks and presentations to the public as well as ensure high standards of animal care and breeding management.

"As a Team leader they will report directly to the Living Collections Management team and be responsible for all aspects of managing the section including staff rotas, disciplinary procedures, staff appraisals, section protocols, safe working protocols and practices, risk assessments, animal husbandry and diets, breeding programmes, animal training and enrichment programmes, moving the section forward and planning future developments."

Applicants are expected to have ten years experience working in a zoological collection.

Excellent customer service, communication and animal husbandry skills are essential along with experience of supervising staff and managing risk in a zoo environment.

Applicants should have the Diploma in the Management of Zoo Animals and Aquaria or an equivalent qualification and have a full valid driving licence.

The start date is as soon as possible and the salary is said to be dependant on experience.

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For those with less experience, there are also a number of other roles available at the zoo at the moment.

The zoo also needs tradespeople such as landscape gardeners and labourers.

Here are the seven jobs being advertised now:

  • Soft Landscape Gardener (full time)
  • Conservation Educator (full time)
  • Welder (full time)
  • Electrician (full time)
  • Labourer (full time)
  • Trainee Plumber (full time)
  • Animal Care Team – Team Leader (full time)

To find out more or apply for any of the roles, click here.