Sunday, November 15, 2015

Science Director





Science Director

Job Description : Chester Zoo is one of the leading zoological collections in Europe, with an international reputation for achieving its mission in conserving biodiversity worldwide through breeding programmes, field conservation, education and research. We extended the zoo this summer with an innovative, immersive experience - Islands anticipating a busy couple of years where we can build on this success.

We currently have an exciting opportunity on offer with a vacancy for a Science Director who will join our Executive Team. The broad objectives of this post are to contribute to the overall organisational strategy by developing and implementing departmental strategy for the Science, Education and Field Programme Directorate.  This translates into:-

    •    Visitor Engagement: providing engaging and educational experiences for >1.5 million visitors a year. (including >30,000 student visits)
    •    Applied Conservation Science: responsible for coordinating scientific activity in the zoo, peer reviewed publications
    •    Field Programmes: Oversee aspects of field programmes and develop synergies with ‘in zoo’ conservation with the Collections Director.
    •    Facilities & Exhibits: Design, delivery and upkeep of interpretative elements to all exhibits (animal / plant and other), formal teaching facilities and library, laboratory
    •    Staffing Accountability: 5 direct reports and circa 40 permanent positions + 40 FTE training positions + circa 150 volunteers
    •    Budgetary accountability: circa £2.75m/year


The major responsibilities of your 5 direct reports are as follows;-

    •    Head of Applied Science: Develop and coordinate zoo-focused applied conservation scientific activities across Chester Zoo to mitigate the loss in biodiversity and aid in the well-being of the Living Collection and their wild counterparts. Ensure Chester Zoo is recognized by its staff, its peers and the public as global leaders in zoo-focused applied conservation science and provide opportunities to develop the future leaders in strategically determined fields of applied conservation science. To work with field programmes to ensure alignment of the zoo and field-focused applied conservation science activities.
   
    •    Head of Conservation Science: To direct the Zoo’s field conservation strategy and scientific portfolio and support the Director General in ensuring the success of the Zoo in line with the organisation’s mission, vision and values. Contribute to and develop the overall organisational strategy, ensuring implementation throughout the Zoo and disseminating within the Field Programmes Division.
   
    •    Head of Field Programmes: To develop and manage field conservation programmes and communications in line with the Zoo’s vision and mission and to achieve the Zoo’s strategic objectives and maximise conservation impact.
   
    •    Head of Discovery & Learning: To develop a conservation education strategy for the zoo, in line with the zoo’s wider strategic development and mission, that inspires people (visitors, staff, partners and the wider community) to take action in support of the natural world. To support others in the delivery of this strategy and provide leadership to the Discovery and Learning Division staff.
   
    •    PA: administrative support to the Directorate (rather than specifically the Director) includes response to public enquiries, booking and minute meetings, national and international travel, and administrative tasks involving collection plan, risk assessment and safe working procedures.


We are therefore looking for someone with extensive knowledge and expertise in:-

    •    Scientific method, project design and scientific writing. Knowledge of wide range of biological sciences.
    •    Field conservation: Managing field projects in a variety of countries, habitats and cultural backgrounds, Conservation impact measurement, basics of population management, conservation techniques.
    •    Education: Principles of formal and informal (public) education / engagement and influence.
    •    Zoo management: Staff training, site management, budget management, Legislation and licencing.
    •    Communication: media, public, scientific community, zoo peers, training, advocacy.
    •    Business practices, Staff training and management: leading teams, budgeting, planning & prioritising, basics of marketing and PR.
    •    Hold a Ph.D in one or more of the following disciplines: Field Conservation/ zoology / conservation psychology or related disciplines.


In conjunction with the other Directors you will be developing the organisation’s strategy and master plan and directing its implementation.  You will also participate in the governance of the organisation ensuring success, credibility and sustainability for the future.

If you would like to receive a full job description for this role or have any specific questions please a1people@chesterzoo.org

Otherwise please apply, providing a full CV and covering letter.



A competitive salary and benefits package are on offer.


Closing date for applications is Monday, 30th November 2015.

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