Head of Department - Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

Head of Department - Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
Reporting to: Director of Conservation Science

Location: based at Jersey (Channel Islands, United Kingdom) head offices of Durrell Wildlife, with travel from base

1. Job Purpose -

To develop strategies, policies and programmes to train conservation professionals at all levels from around the world in the breeding and conservation of endangered species. To manage and participate in training programmes in Jersey and overseas in order to ensure the widest possible dissemination of knowledge and to set the highest possible standards of excellence in the theory and practice of wildlife conservation in accordance with the Trust's mission to save species from extinction.

2. Principal Accountabilities -


2.1. To initiate, develop and recommend to the Director of Conservation Science a wide variety of training programmes at the International Training Centre (ITC) in Jersey and overseas to provide participants with skills, knowledge and experience required to preserve endangered species.

2.2. To control and maintain an annual programme of training at ITC in order to meet the needs of individuals, departments or institutions in the international conservation community by teaching information of direct relevance to the conservation of species.

2.3. To train, lead, motivate, develop and manage staff to ensure that the department is efficient and effective, that the Trust's 'mini-university' achieves the highest possible standards of learning and teaching and that the parameters of conservation biology are challenged by the trainers and the trainees in the course of their study.

2.4. To conduct and co-ordinate lectures, workshops, tutorials and hands-on work experience at ITC with individuals or groups of ITC trainees to provide information of relevance to species conservation in the trainees' country of origin and to advise on species management strategies appropriate to their own conservation plans.

2.5. In collaboration with the Conservation Programme’s Population Ecologist, and under the direction of the Director of Conservation Science, to supervise trainees' research output in order to ensure research is of the highest possible standard and conforms to the Trust's research policy; to teach the principles and methods of scientific research, to identify research projects to be conducted by trainees in the Jersey collection or elsewhere.

2.6. To provide professional advice and guidance to Durrell staff members seeking additional training and to propose, plan and conduct in-house training for staff members on specific subject areas as appropriate.

2.7. To train Durrell staff in contemporary teaching methods to ensure that at all times and in all departments ITC participants receive stimulating and effective training.
2.8. In collaboration with the Conservation Programme’s Population Ecologist and other Heads of Department as appropriate, to create and conduct forums for discussion on conservation biology issues of relevance to the Trust. To serve as a catalyst to energise new thinking, to provoke debate, to analyse the current status of policy and procedure in order to extend the parameters of conservation biology as practiced at Durrell.

2.9. To write, edit, produce and co-ordinate the publication of training materials, textbooks, course notes, newsletters and the results of research conducted in the course of training programmes to ensure the widest possible distribution of knowledge to preserve the earth's biodiversity.

2.10. To design and recommend to the Director of Conservation Science a wide variety of short courses, workshops or training programmes to be conducted overseas. To develop and contribute to these programmes and to select, train and co-ordinate the activities of in-country nationals able to offer further training opportunities following ITC guidelines.

2.11. To investigate training opportunities for staff and trainees at Durrell overseas species recovery centres as requested by the Director of Conservation Science; to evaluate the costs and benefits of establishing theoretical or practical programmes for staff and trainees at these locations and to prepare plans and make recommendations for new initiatives to the Director of Conservation Science.

2.12. To oversee and provide professional advice and guidance to ITC trainees after completion of the Jersey-based or overseas training programme through direct contact and through the efforts of the ITC staff. To provide additional support or training to selected individuals or groups of graduates as required to further enable them to save endangered species.

2.13. To develop and implement criteria to measure, validate and evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes. To revise or re-direct programmes as necessary based on the outcome of these evaluations.

2.14. To investigate and appraise the effectiveness of training programmes by conducting on-site follow-up assessments of graduates in their countries of origin. To recommend and instigate changes in programmes based on these assessments and to identify and action further training for graduates to support their conservation initiatives, if appropriate.

2.15. To liaise with local, UK and international training organisations, conservation bodies, professional associations and educational establishments to ensure that ITC programmes remain at or above training standards set by other institutions and to anticipate future opportunities for the direction of ITC.

2.16. To report regularly to the Director of Conservation Science in order that he is fully informed about ITC activities, especially where they interface with in-situ conservation programmes.

2.17. To report regularly to the Director of Conservation Management in order that he/she is informed about ITC activities, especially when results of trainee projects on ex-situ populations have animal management implications. To recommend animal management changes based on trainee projects and to support and encourage their implementation when agreed by the Director of Conservation Management.

2.18. To produce a monthly report on the current activities and programmes in development of the ITC for the Director of Conservation Science.

2.19. To establish a budget for the ITC and monitor expenditure to ensure activities are within the agreed budget. To identify income-generating activities for ITC and maximise such income whenever possible without jeopardising the quality of training provided.

2.20. To oversee the smooth operation of all ITC facilities, including the upkeep and efficient operation of the trainee residence.

2.21. To oversee the maintenance and expansion of libraries, catalogues, bibliographies and other materials to provide a professional collection of reference material and scientific data for use by Durrell staff and trainees.

2.22. To attend and make presentations at conferences in order to share results of ITC training programmes with an international audience and to identify and encourage prospective trainees to apply for upcoming programmes.

2.23. To examine and mark dissertations in order to evaluate candidates for relevant conservation awards, including but not limited to, the University of Kent Graduate Certificate in Endangered Species Management.

2.24. To be an active member of various professional conservation bodies in order to contribute to ensuring the continued existence of the earth's biodiversity.

2.25. To represent Durrell at a variety of national and international professional meetings in order to gather and disseminate information of relevance to the aims of Durrell.

3. Dimensions -

3.1 Staff: To manage 4 full time staff members, 4 part time employees and a maximum of 30 lecturers and course directors contracted to contribute to ITC programmes.

3.2 Finance: To be responsible for a budget of approximately £250,000.

3.3 Trainees: To provide training for 50 - 60 trainees annually, co-ordinate 280 training event days and provide follow-up assistance for graduate trainees.


4. Knowledge, Skills, Experience, Qualifications -

4.1 Man-management skills and senior level experience building and leading a diverse team.

4.2 Excellent teaching and research abilities.

4.3 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

4.4 A higher level degree, minimum at MSc level, and at least 5 years of relevant teaching and research experience in conservation-related subjects, including overseas training.

4.5 Hands-on experience in species management in developing countries 4.6 High degree of organisational ability.

4.7 Knowledge and experience in IT.

4.8 Fluency in other languages an advantage.

4.9 The ability to lead working groups of individuals from many different cultures with sensitivity to maximise the training experience for all participants.

In return we can offer an attractive remuneration package commensurate with skills and experience.

If you wish to apply send your CV to:-

Mrs Charlotte Linney,
Humans Resources Manager,
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust,
Les Augres Manor, Trinity, Jersey JE3 5BP
Or e-mail Liz.Mayo@durrell.org

The closing date for applications is 22nd August 2008.



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