Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at Wetland Reserves, enhancing habitats and securing funding.
- Company: Join WWT, a passionate team dedicated to restoring wetlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible working, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation while inspiring teams and driving change.
- Qualifications: Senior operational experience in conservation and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; apply early as we may close the advert soon.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
WWT Slimbridge (Centre) South West, East Anglia, North West – Closing date for applications: 10th Feb 2026. Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will work alongside two Heads of Operations for our Wetland Discovery sites, to support our Wetland Reserves sites in achieving our ambitions. You will lead Site Managers at Caerlaverock, Steart and Welney, as well as potential future reserves, supporting them in improving the health and diversity of our wetland habitats whilst ensuring they maximise opportunities for income development and funding to assure financial stability for years to come.
This is a permanent contract, working full time, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours a week. Part-time work will be considered. For this role we can offer the opportunity for hybrid working. It is expected the role will need you to be present at each of your sites on a regular basis, at least once per month.
About You
You will be passionate about nature and conservation with a good understanding of the challenges and pressures faced by site operations which rely on funding through stewardship grants, donations and restricted funding. To join as our Head of Operations Wetland Reserves you’ll bring:
- Senior level operational experience in a comparable organisation working directly with conservation or nature-based experiences where income streams are not driven by visitation but by external funding and/or donations.
- Evidence of strong skills in leading and supporting business planning, financial analysis, budget development and management, across multiple sites with varying income streams and asset portfolios.
- The ability to recruit, performance manage and motivate diverse multi-disciplinary teams.
- Demonstrable leadership skills, able to coach and mentor site leaders and their teams, communicating clarity of direction and inspiring teams to work towards common goals.
- Skills in networking and influencing internally and externally at a senior level, developing partnerships with like-minded organisations for the benefit of WWT and our charitable aims.
- Demonstrable ability to manage the complexity of demands posed by triple-bottom-line objectives across our conservation targets, visitor engagement and financial targets.
We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications from candidates who meet the required skills and experience. We therefore encourage early applications.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case. Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you’ll love working at WWT
- Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world.
- Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people.
- 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want.
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family.
- Free car parking and secure bike storage areas.
- Colleague discount on shopping and memberships.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones.
- Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme.
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
Head of Operations - Wetland Reserves in England employer: BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
Contact Detail:
BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations - Wetland Reserves in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the conservation and operations field, especially those connected to WWT. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for wetlands! When you get the chance to speak with someone from WWT, share your enthusiasm for nature and conservation. Let them know why you care about their mission and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching WWT’s current projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the WWT team and making a difference in wetland conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations - Wetland Reserves in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in conservation and operational management, and show us how your skills align with our mission at WWT.
Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for nature and conservation! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects or initiatives in the past, and let your passion shine through in your writing.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We encourage early applications as we may close the advert if we find enough suitable candidates. Get your application in through our website and stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
✨Know Your Wetlands
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the specific challenges and opportunities faced by wetland reserves. Familiarise yourself with WWT's mission and recent projects. This will not only show your passion for conservation but also demonstrate that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams in previous roles. Think about times when you motivated your team towards common goals or navigated complex operational challenges. Be ready to discuss your approach to coaching and mentoring site leaders, as this is crucial for the Head of Operations position.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since the role involves budget development and financial management, brush up on your financial analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with managing multiple income streams and how you’ve ensured financial stability in past roles. Specific examples will help illustrate your expertise.
✨Network Like a Pro
Think about your past experiences in building partnerships and influencing stakeholders. Prepare to share stories about how you’ve developed relationships with like-minded organisations. This will highlight your networking skills and show that you can effectively advocate for WWT’s charitable aims.
