Director of Operations

 Director of Operations

Wildwood Trust

Salary £45,000 to £60,000

About Wildwood Trust

Wildwood Trust is a charity running a unique British animal park and visitor centre, dedicated to rewilding Britain through the restoration of wild habitats and reintroduction of extinct species. Wildwood became a Charity in 2002 and now works solely for wildlife conservation and public education. The animal park is central to our charitable and business objectives, and also supportive of our ambitious objectives to enthuse and educate people and to support conservation and rewilding efforts across the UK. Wildwood (Canterbury) has recently been joined by Wildwood (Escot) thus, management of the animal collection and keeper team spans over the two parks. The post is based at Wildwood Park Herne Common Herne Bay Kent but will be responsible for operations across both sites.

The Post

This exciting new role of Director of Operations will lead the park operations and commercial activity of our charity, dedicated to giving our visitors a great day out. Reporting to the Chief Executive with a remit to develop, exploit and manage all our operations to achieve our strategic goal of developing the parks ability to deliver:

•        An excellent day out for our visitors and members

•        Managing and developing our animal collection and exhibits

•        Managing and developing staff cohesion and efficiency

•        Project management and reporting

•        A safe environment for our staff and visitors

•        Enhanced profitability of our commercial operations

As Director of Operations you will have a proven track record of achievement in delivering customer service, facilities management, health and safety and project management and delivering significant income generation from a variety of streams.

You will be an experienced senior operational professional, ideally with zoo or leisure experience, an accomplished and experienced team leader, combining strategic and business awareness with the ability to influence and collaborate across the whole organisation. You will understand Zoo or leisure best practice in the UK and have delivered steady growth and innovative commercial developments in a customer focused industry.

This role will be part of a small team of Directors under the Chief Executive and it is essential that this post works in close co-operation with that Senior Management Team.

This is a full time post 37.5 hours per week.

For a full job description and personal specification please go to our website http://www.wildwoodtrust.org/recruitmentothervacancies.html

Or call 01227 712111

CV and covering letter should be sent to:

Eileen Bartlett

Office Manager

Wildwood Trust

Herne Common

Herne Bay

Kent

CT6 7LQ

Closing date is 7th October 2016

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

Advertising Vacancies on Zoo News Digest

Acting Director

Acting Director

Shaldon Wildlife Trust

Circa £18,000 per annum plus two-bedroom cottage

The Trust is looking to recruit an acting Director initially on a fixed term 12 month contract.  This is a residential position with unfurnished accommodation and some utilities provided.  The job entails a 40 hour 5-day working week including weekend rotas.

This is a demanding role for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and passionate individual. 

Shaldon Wildlife Trust is highly regarded within the zoo community despite its modest size.  It houses a wide range of conservation-sensitive species including smaller primates, a range of small mammals, some birds, reptiles and invertebrates. 

The Trust has recently undergone a £400,000 expansion which has doubled the size of the site and added a dedicated education building.  We are seeking a high-performing individual from within the zoo profession who has the enthusiasm and drive to embrace this challenging position.  The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day running of the Trust including on-site security, Health & Safety, other legislative responsibilities such as zoo licensing and preparing regular reports for the Board of Trustees.

The two permanent members of staff are supported by a large work force of volunteers.  The Trust also provides training and work experience for a wide range of students at all academic levels.  You must be committed to professional development of yourself and other staff.

Duties include:

• Animal husbandry, feeding, cleaning, enclosure refurbishment etc…
• Dealing with visitors, volunteers and Trust members
• Recruitment and training of staff and volunteers
• Organising fundraising events and grant applications
• Preparing and depositing banking
• Dealing with veterinary issues
• Ordering, collecting supplies and dealing with suppliers
• Preparing press releases and dealing with the media generally including social networks
• Representing the Trust at relevant zoo meetings within the UK
• Liaising with BIAZA and EAZA concerning breeding programmes and supported conservation projects

The ideal candidate will have:

• A true understanding of the conservation and educational role of zoos
• Exceptional inter-personal & leadership skills and a hands-on approach
• A proven track record of managing staff and working with volunteers
• Knowledge and experience of marketing, PR and fundraising
• Business/Administration management skills including responsibility for budgets and cash handling
• Proficiency in IT
• A full driving license

Other desirable qualities:

• Practical building and maintenance skills
• An interest in horticulture
• Possession of a fire arms license or a willingness to train
• Animal record keeping skills

Applicants should send a covering letter and CV to:

The Director

Shaldon Wildlife Trust

Ness Drive

Shaldon

Nr.Teignmouth

Devon

TQ14 0HP

tracey@shaldonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Closing date for applications is Friday 10^th August 2012

For Your Information

How to Get a Job in a Zoo

How much does a Zookeeper earn