Reporting to the Senior Curator, you'll be responsible for all elements of animal wellbeing and the presentation of all 22 of the zoo's primate species, including our great apes. We'd expect you to be a role model for the company values in all areas of your work, ensuring your colleagues feel empowered to consistently deliver outstanding results.

With line management responsibility for a large team, as the Curator of Primates you will:

Provide excellent leadership, embedding a solution focussed approach to challenges whilst striving for a positive team culture and engagement

Be responsible for all elements of team management including, but not limited to, training and development and performance management, completing formal HR processes as necessary

Ensure continued improvement of standards of animal care in line with best practice, SSSMZP and zoo licensing requirements, and input on ethical decisions

Regularly assess our animal management, recommending and implementing areas for improvement

Establish positive communication channels internally with other curators, animal team members and the wider TZ team, ensuring relevant information is passed on effectively and efficiently

Assume Duty Animal Manager responsibilities on a rota basis with the other senior animal team, including taking the lead role in the event of an animal emergency

Practice professional and effective communication with external work colleagues, particularly in regards to the European and international management of primate species

Ensure that the zoo's policies, procedures, and protocols are followed at all times. Update and review all relevant Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures as necessary

Take a proactive approach to maintenance concerns, liaising with the maintenance department

Work closely with the zoo's veterinary team in all aspects of animal health care including, but not limited to, capture and restraint techniques, preventative medicine programmes, reactive care and cooperative health monitoring through animal training

Be proactive in the support and facilitation of work from other departments, including zoo-based research, conservation education and animal services

Show initiative in the suggestion of beneficial zoo-based research for the relevant species

Work closely with all relevant parties involved in project planning and implementation. Take an active role in species and exhibit planning

Represent the zoo on appropriate professional and scientific bodies and promote our profile and reputation as an outstanding centre of animal management, research, conservation, and education. Understand the work of BIAZA and EAZA and play an active role where possible

Be part of the team ensuring the security of the zoo premises and grounds. This involves being a member of the firearms/recapture team

Be willing to be trained as a first aider and to be on call as part of the first aid duty rota

Obtained at least a BSc (or equivalent experience) in an animal or conservation related subject. Achieved the DMZAA (or equivalent) qualification

Extensive specialist knowledge of the modern practices for the keeping of a wide taxonomic range of primates in zoos, including great apes

Up to date best practice knowledge for species management and be highly motivated in the delivery of these high standards

Proven ability in efficiently managing large and complex teams. Able to demonstrate extensive experience in how to lead and inspire a wide variety of people with a flexible and calm working style

High level of knowledge with regards to breeding programme management and the wider role of modern zoos in species and habitat conservation, with a good understanding of species planning

Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise work; producing high quality work in an efficient and timely manner

IT competence in Microsoft Office and ZIMS

As we look at how the Twycross site will look in the future, this is a unique opportunity to help shape that, including which species to work with and creating innovative new habitats. The first of our new habitats, including a large facility for Bornean orangutans, starts construction later this year.