Team leader – Birds, Invertebrates and Herptiles

Join to apply for the Team leader – Birds, Invertebrates and Herptiles role at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).

Twycross Zoo, East Midlands

Closing date: 19 January 2026

Contact:
Human Resources (human.resources)

• Location:
  
  Twycross Zoo, East Midlands
• Employment type:
  
  Full-time
• Seniority level:
  Mid-Senior
• Salary: £31,662 per annum
• Contract type:
  Paid

Reporting to the Assistant Curator, you will support them in ensuring that all elements of animal and team management are carried out effectively and safely. You will be a role model for the company values, fostering a culture of excellence and empowerment.

• Support the Assistant Curator in ensuring high standards of animal wellbeing and presentation of the zoo’s birds, herptiles, and invertebrates.
• Lead development of the section, particularly regarding herptiles and invertebrates.
• Provide excellent leadership and nurture a positive team culture.
• Manage team duties: rota management, training, performance, and HR processes.
• Deputise for the Assistant Curator when required.
• Act as duty animal manager on a rota basis and lead in emergency situations.
• Assist in securing zoo premises and, if required, participate in firearms/recapture team.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and protocols are followed; update risk assessments and SOPs.
• Maintain accurate animal records and ensure communication across the organisation.
• Support cross‑department collaboration (research, conservation, education, animal services).
• Work with veterinary, maintenance, and other departments to address animal health and welfare issues.
• Participate in project planning, species and exhibit planning, and support conservation initiatives.
• Engage with BIAZA and EAZA and play an active role where possible.
• Receive first aid training and participate in first aid duty rota.

• BSc (or equivalent) in animal or conservation sciences.
• Desirable: DMZAA (or equivalent) qualification.
• Extensive specialised knowledge in keeping herptiles and invertebrates.
• Experience in avian species management (desirable).
• Up-to-date knowledge of best practice species management.
• Proven team management and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of breeding programme management and species planning.
• Excellent time‑management and prioritisation skills.
• IT competence:
  Microsoft Office, ZIMS.
• Flexibility in working times and duties.
• Physical capability to perform section work.

• 31 days annual leave (increasing with length of service).
• Life assurance.
• Company sick pay from day one.
• Access to discount platform.
• Staff membership card for free zoo entry.
• Complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family.
• Discounts in gift shop and food & beverage outlets.
• Monthly recognition award scheme.
• Employee assistance services.
• Free parking.

Twycross Zoo is an award‑winning, conservation‑led zoo in the heart of England. Over 700,000 visitors annually explore our 100‑acre site. We are expanding our animal collection and investing in state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including the upcoming Global Conservation Centre, set to open in 2027.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to human.resources. Shortlisting and interviews may commence while the advert is live; the advert will close as soon as a successful candidate is appointed.