Panthera Corporation, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla, seeks a Head Keeper for the Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Center in Al Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This leadership role oversees wildlife care and management within the facility, supervising a team of keepers in day-to-day operations.

Key Responsibilities:
• Wildlife Management: Oversee care and management of wildlife within facility, support acquisition of wildlife, ensure appropriate living conditions and enclosure types, supervise wildlife training and transport, monitor animal acclimatization
• Team Leadership: Guide, train and supervise all keepers/interns, produce working schedules, organize team meetings, report staff and animal problems
• Record Keeping: Ensure up-to-date, accurate and detailed records maintained in ZIMS Species 360, support data collection for research projects
• Facility Operations: Ensure compliance with security, feeding, biosecurity, enrichment programs, policies, protocols and EAZA accreditation standards, maintain high animal husbandry standards
• Health & Safety: Liaise with curator and veterinarians for diet modifications and medical treatments, perform routine emergency response drills, conduct monthly facility inspections
• Animal Care: Maintain food inventory and storage protocols, implement enrichment programs, supervise/perform animal hand-rearing when necessary

Project: Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Center collaboration with Royal Commission for AlUla
Reports to: Curator
Organization: World leader in wild cat conservation with 40 species focus

Essential Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Animal Science, Conservation, or related field
• Certification in animal care or wildlife husbandry preferred
• Valid international driver's license (or eligibility to obtain in Saudi Arabia)
• Minimum 5-7 years progressive experience in zoo, wildlife park, or conservation-based animal husbandry roles
• At least 2 years in senior or supervisory keeper role
• Demonstrated experience working with carnivores, particularly felids (cheetahs, leopards, lions) in captive or semi-wild settings
• Experience in remote, arid, or challenging environments is an asset
• Previous work in international and multicultural team environment 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 SOPs for daily care, health monitoring, safety, and emergency protocols
• Familiarity with ZIMS or other wildlife/animal management software
• Strong supervisory skills with experience training and managing junior staff or volunteers
• Experience overseeing breeding programs or managing social dynamics among captive felid groups advantageous
• Excellent English communication skills (Arabic is a plus)
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability for international, multicultural setting
• Physically fit and able to work in high temperatures and variable terrain
• High attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, passion for conservation