Zoo Jobs: Centre Manager, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

Centre Manager, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

Full-time, permanent position. Salary dependent on experience.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is a small BIAZA zoo based in rural Cumbria, owned and operated by the charity the Lakeland Trust for Natural Sciences. It has a strong focus on education and conservation. The centre houses a very wide diversity of species and is looking to create a nature reserve as well as having an onsite café and gift shop.

This role will involve overall responsibility for the day to day running of the zoo, managing a small team of dedicated animal keeping staff, visitor services staff and volunteers. The applicant will ensure that welfare standards are met for all species, as well as striving to fulfil the aims of the charity. We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated individual who will be a good team leader, able to show initiative and has a positive outlook. The successful applicant will have a ‘hands on’ animal husbandry role as well as administrative responsibilities including health and safety, HR and licensing. Experience working in a similar senior zoo management role would be beneficial. Suitable applicants must be well organised and have previous experience in a zoo setting working with a range of taxa. The job entails a 40 hour 5-day working week including weekend rotas.

Main Responsibilities:

● Supporting the creation and delivery of on-site development and collection plans and fulfilling the charity’s aims/objectives.

● Development of in-house standard operating policies and procedures.

● Ensure licensing and health and safety requirements are met, in line with current legislation.

● Supporting and managing the staff and volunteer team.

● Act as a main point of contact/face for the organisation.

● Ensuring the zoo adopts green principals.

Requirements:

● An animal science related BSc and/or equivalent experience.

● Knowledge and experience of current zoo licensing and association led requirements/regulations.

● Knowledge and experience managing health and safety within a zoo environment.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.