Position Title: Head Keeper  

Reporting to: Curator

Duty Station: Al Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Panthera Corporation

Panthera is the only organization in the world that is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems. Utilizing the expertise of the world’s premier cat biologists, Panthera develops and implements global strategies for the most imperiled species. Representing the most comprehensive effort of its kind, Panthera partners with local and international NGOs, scientific institutions, local communities, governments around the globe, and citizens who want to help ensure a future for wild cats. Panthera Corporation consists of Panthera Corporation- USA and several foreign legal entities and foreign branch offices.  For more on Panthera, visit www.panthera.org. 

Background

In 2022, Panthera started a collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla on the operation of the Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Center in Al Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the Project). For this purpose, Panthera has built a team of highly experienced professionals in captive breeding of wild animal species to deliver this Project.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Head Keeper oversees the care and management of wildlife within the facility, taking a leadership role in the day to day activities. S/he supports the acquisition of wildlife, the type of enclosures to be used and ensures appropriate living conditions for the wildlife. S/he also supervises the training of wildlife, as well as their transport and monitors the acclimatization of animals to their new homes. S/he also oversees the training of staff. The Head Keeper will supervise a team of Keepers.

Specifically, the Head Keeper will:

• Observe daily the animals and the keepers at work
• Assist keepers when necessary
• Produce keepers’ working schedule
• Produce and implement the enrichment program
• Guide, train and supervise all keepers/interns and their daily reporting
• Ensure up to date, accurate and detailed records maintained in ZIMS Species 360
• Ensure the respect of security, feeding, biosecurity, enrichment program, policies, protocols and standard operating procedures, and EAZA accreditation standards
• Ensure high standards of animal husbandry
• Maintain animal food inventory and ensure storage and preparation aligns with protocols
• Be able to replace a missing keeper in the daily operation of the facility
• Participate in and organize team meetings when appropriate
• Report problems with staff and animals
• Liaise with curator and veterinarians to make recommendations for diet modifications
• Liaise with curator and veterinarians to receive and administer medical treatments
• Perform routine emergency response drills
• Conduct monthly facility inspections and report items for repair
• Liaise with maintenance department
• Ensure adequate supplies to perform husbandry tasks
• Support data collection for research projects
• Supervise and/or perform animal hand-rearing

Qualifications and Skill Set

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Animal Science, Conservation, or a related field.
• Certification in animal care or wildlife husbandry is preferred.
• Valid international driver’s license (or eligibility to obtain one in Saudi Arabia).
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in zoo, wildlife park, or conservation-based animal husbandry roles, with at least 2 years in a senior or supervisory keeper role.
• Demonstrated experience working with carnivores, particularly felids (e.g., cheetahs, leopards, lions), in a captive or semi-wild setting.
• Experience working in remote, arid, or challenging environments is an asset.
• Previous work in an international and multicultural team environment is highly desirable.
• Expertise in large carnivore handling, restraint, and enrichment techniques.
• Knowledge of best practices in animal nutrition, behavior, welfare, and exhibit management.
• Experience developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for daily care, health monitoring, safety, and emergency protocols.
• Familiarity with record-keeping systems such as ZIMS or other wildlife/animal management software.
• Strong supervisory skills with experience training and managing junior staff or volunteers.
• Ability to coordinate daily operations and collaborate with veterinary, research, and conservation teams.
• Proactive in developing enrichment programs, welfare assessments, and behavioral monitoring routines.
• Experience overseeing breeding programs or managing social dynamics among captive felid groups is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; English fluency required, Arabic is a plus.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to work in an international, multicultural setting.
• Physically fit and able to work in high temperatures and variable terrain.
• High attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and a passion for conservation.

Working Relationships & Supervisory Responsibilities

The Head Keeper reports to the Curator.