ZSL is seeking a dedicated Team Leader within the Ectotherms section of our Animal Department at Whipsnade Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos nestled in the beautiful Chiltern Hills.
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 including amphibians and reptiles, alongside a large tropical house featuring free-flying butterflies and a variety of invertebrate species. We also maintain a freshwater aquarium and a substantial off-show breeding facility. The department specialises in freshwater fish conservation, with a collection of 26 Critically Endangered and Extinct in the Wild species managed within dedicated breeding programmes.
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, 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, one-year fixed-term contract, 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.