Zoo Jobs: Director of Living Collections (DLC)

Director of Living Collections (DLC)

The National Zoological Society of Wales is a registered charity (no. 514108) that owns and runs the Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoo of Wales in Colwyn Bay, UK. This is a medium-sized progressive zoo which opened in 1963 and is situated in North Wales in one of the UK’s most beautiful places to live and work. The Zoo embraces modern conservation thinking and strives for high standards in all departments. It is a member of BIAZA, EAZA, WAZA and Species360.

In this its 55th year, the Zoo is undergoing major changes at the top of its management structure, which it hopes to complete by the end of 2018, and is now recruiting a new DLC to take full directorial responsibility for the animal and plant collection, conservation, education and research co-ordination.

The DLC will need to be a highly motivated team player and will work alongside the Director of Operations and Administration and the Director of Estates in a three-person Board of Directors answering to the Chief Executive Officer and the charity’s Board of Trustees.

The successful candidate for this post is likely to have:

Good standard of education at least to science degree level.
Experience at a senior level in the management of living collections, including husbandry and conservation breeding programmes, with around 15 years or more experience in zoos.
Commitment to the development of the Zoo as an exemplar of animal welfare, conservation, education and research best practice.
Ability to lead, motivate and manage staff.
Strong awareness of budgeting and good financial practice.
Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
Engaging personality with good communication skills. Ability to talk to media and represent NZSW in gatherings of zoo and conservation colleagues and peers.
A good working knowledge of UK zoo regulatory legislation, the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and other legislation as applicable to zoos.

Also:

This post does not require fluency in Welsh but the post-holder must be prepared to show empathy for the Welsh language and the important part it plays in the life of Wales.

This post will require the DLC to live on-site (an on-site 3 bedroom bungalow will be offered as part of the salary package).

Salary will be dependent on qualifications, skills, experience and references and will be indicated with the offer of an interview to short-listed candidates.

For further details, a full job description and application form please email info@welshmountainzoo.org or telephone 01492 532938 ext.3 (Office Hours 09.00 – 17.00).

Closing date for applications will be 17.00 on Friday 28th September 2018. A short list of candidates will be drawn up and offered an interview date between 22nd and 25th October 2018.