Zoo Jobs: HEAD OF LIVING COLLECTIONS

HEAD OF LIVING COLLECTIONS

Colchester Zoo is home to over 240 species in 60 acres of parkland and lakes.

The Zoo’s mission is to provide a first class experience for all its visitors at the same time as furthering understanding and respect for animals through education and research. Through visitors’ funds Colchester Zoo undertakes breeding programmes for endangered species and supports numerous in-situ conservation projects via the Zoo’s charitable arm, Action for the Wild and it’s very own UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in South Africa.

An exciting position has arisen for a Head of Living Collections to join our team and be an essential contributor to our mission at Colchester Zoo.

As Head of Living Collections you will be responsible for developing and maintaining an extensive and diverse animal collection, ensuring that it contributes to Conservation, Education, Research, and Visitor Engagement to the highest of standards and to lead and manage the animal care team ensuring high levels of performance and best practice in all areas.

We are looking for an individual with the following skills and experience:

· Extensive knowledge of modern zoo animal management, collection planning, and enclosure design.

· Comprehensive knowledge of animal population management and Zoo legislation and an understanding of the workings of zoo membership associations.

· Trained in the use of Firearms and experience managing Zoo firearms teams and developing emergency protocols.

· Proven experience of managing risk within a zoological collection and in particular with Category A species, and the ability to develop Health & Safety protocols.

· Strong leadership skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve organisational objectives.

· A customer-focused attitude, instigating and promoting visitor engagement activities.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills

· Confident in dealing with the media and giving interviews

· Flexible and willing to work out of specified hours and be on call as required.

This is a full-time, permanent position with a start date as soon as is possible and Salary will be dependent on qualifications and experience.

Please send your completed application form which can be found here:

http://old.colchesterzoo-web.us.positive-dedicated.net/images/content/Careers/2017APPLICATION_FORM_-_ELECTRONIC_LIVE_FORM_-_restricted.docx , your CV and covering letter for the attention of Mr Richard Spurgeon, Zoo Manager, by email to vacancies@colchesterzoo.org

The closing date for applications for this position is Friday 3^rd September 2021.