Zoo Jobs: ZSEA Head of Living Collections

ZSEA Head of Living Collections

Africa Alive

The Head of Living Collections will provide consistent overall management of the animal collections and the team that manage them; to ensure the smooth operational function of the Zoo Animal Management team.

About the Role:

We have an exciting vacancy for a Head of Living Collections to join our team in a full time permanent role. The role is based at ZSEA head office.

Main Duties:

• Oversee and manage the development and delivery of the ZSEA living collection plan, across a site ZSEA, sourcing, and curating stock and developing the husbandry and breeding guidelines for the Charity in compliance with ZSEA Policies and Procedures.

• To consistently achieve agreed standards and responsibilities and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement/acquisition of job-related knowledge and skills.

• Oversee demonstrations ensuring they offer the best possible visitor experience.

• Adhere to and always ensure health and safety compliance and in line with current legislation and as set out in ZSEA Health and Safety policy and various operating procedures and protocols.

• To support the Zoo Operations by providing cover and support as directed.

• Inspire and encourage others to feel part of a team through trust, respect, and support. Lead by example.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of professional animal managers and staff.

• Ensure all exhibits and presentation areas are maintained to the highest standard

• Have budgetary responsibility for the staffing and operational needs of the Living Collections at ZSEA, with direction from the Head of Zoo Operations.

About you:

• You will have a BSc in a relevant area or equivalent experience.

• Have gained prior experience in managing and developing large teams.

• Have an in depth knowledge of up-to-date animal husbandry practices in a zoological collection environment.

• Have an understanding of Zoological licences.

• You will have the ability to prioritise and be very well organised.

• You will be a great communicator and be able to challenge ideas respectably.

• Can demonstrates a consistent, collaborative, and respectful approach to management and building relationships with other teams.

• You will respect confidentiality.

• Have strong problem-solving skills and able to help others to resolve them.

• Stay calm in difficult situations.

• Be able to stay focused on tasks in hand.

• Have the ability to listen and have empathy and understanding.

• Be already playing an active role in the BIAZA and EAZA communities.

In return we offer: Competitive salary, a contributory pension, staff benefits, 28 days paid holiday including bank holidays (pro-rata).

If you would like an opportunity to join our fantastic team, please download an application form from our website and then send it with a covering email explaining why you would be a suitable candidate for this position to:

HR mailbox: hr@zsea.org

Closing date for applications is 17th September 2021. Emails sent after this date will not be considered and due to the expected volume of applicants, unfortunately, we will not be able to advise if they were unsuccessful or provide feedback on their applications.

Offers will be subject to references and Right to Work in the UK.

ZSEA is committed to safeguarding. We are an equal opportunities employer.