Living Collections Manager

Living Collections Manager

Ormskirk Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team managing wetland birds and mammals while enhancing animal care and public engagement.
  • Company: Join WWT, a charity dedicated to restoring wetlands and ecosystems globally.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of leave, flexible hours, free entry to centres, and a contributory pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation while working with passionate colleagues in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent; relevant degree preferred, with extensive animal husbandry experience required.
  • Other info: Relocation support may be available, including short-term rental of an on-site cottage.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

WWT Martin Mere, Ormskirk, Lancashire

Closing date for applications is: 15th Jun 2025

We are planning significant investment in redeveloping our zoological collection at Martin Mere and are seeking a creative Living Collections Manager with avicultural, grounds, and people management experience. The role involves overseeing our collection of wetland birds and mammals, supporting development plans, and leading a team of keepers. The successful candidate will ensure high team performance, improve animal husbandry, foster strong interdepartmental relationships, and contribute to developing new exhibits. Additional duties include public engagement, maintaining grounds presentation standards, and participating in the duty management team.

This is a permanent, full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week, including some weekends and bank holidays. Relocation support may be available through short-term rental of an on-site cottage for up to 3 months.

About You

  • Educated to A level standard or equivalent; relevant degree preferred.
  • Extensive animal husbandry experience, especially in aviculture, with knowledge of UK zoo legislation and animal welfare.
  • Engaging people manager with excellent planning and organizational skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Experience in exhibit design and horticultural management is desirable.

If you are interested, please apply to join our dedicated team.

About Us

WWT is committed to restoring wetlands and ecosystems. Our team is passionate and dedicated, working on groundbreaking research and conservation efforts worldwide. By working here, you will help restore wetlands and unlock their potential.

Why You’ll Love Working at WWT

  • Contribute to wetland restoration and environmental conservation.
  • Be inspired by passionate colleagues.
  • 33 days of annual leave, increasing to 38 days after 5 years, including bank holidays, with flexible scheduling.
  • Free entry to all wetland centres for you and your family.
  • Free parking and secure bike storage.
  • Colleague discounts and cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Contributory pension scheme.
  • Life assurance of three times your salary.
  • Access to personal, workplace, and financial advice from Care First.

We are an equal opportunities employer, considering all applications on merit.

For inquiries outside office hours, contact Jo Judge at 07593 580602. For urgent matters, reach out directly to our team members.

Registered in England and Wales, charity number 1128168, with offices in Regent’s Park, London.

Living Collections Manager employer: BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)

At WWT Martin Mere, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to environmental conservation and the well-being of our team. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for professional development in a collaborative and inspiring work culture. Join us in making a meaningful impact on wetland restoration while enjoying unique perks such as free entry to all wetland centres and relocation support.
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Contact Detail:

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Living Collections Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in aviculture and animal husbandry. This knowledge will not only help you stand out during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation's mission.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the zoological and conservation fields. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the challenges and innovations in wetland conservation.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience in team management and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved performance and fostered collaboration among team members.

✨Tip Number 4

Research WWT's current projects and initiatives. Understanding their ongoing efforts in wetland restoration will allow you to align your vision with theirs and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.

We think you need these skills to ace Living Collections Manager

Animal Husbandry
Avicultural Knowledge
Team Leadership
People Management
Planning and Organisational Skills
Excellent Communication Skills
Exhibit Design Experience
Horticultural Management
Knowledge of UK Zoo Legislation
Animal Welfare Standards
Public Engagement
Interdepartmental Relationship Building
Grounds Presentation Standards
Creative Problem-Solving
Conservation Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Living Collections Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in aviculture and animal husbandry.

Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your experience in animal management, team leadership, and any relevant qualifications. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for wetland conservation and your vision for the role. Highlight specific experiences that align with the job requirements, such as your knowledge of UK zoo legislation and your people management skills.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)

✨Showcase Your Animal Husbandry Knowledge

Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in animal husbandry, particularly in aviculture. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've improved animal care and welfare in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Living Collections Manager, you'll be leading a team. Share your experiences in managing teams effectively, focusing on how you foster strong relationships and ensure high performance among your staff.

✨Engage with Exhibit Design Ideas

Since the role involves contributing to new exhibits, come prepared with creative ideas or past experiences related to exhibit design. This will show your passion for the role and your ability to innovate.

✨Communicate Your Vision for Public Engagement

Public engagement is key in this position. Be ready to discuss strategies you've used in the past to engage visitors and promote conservation efforts, demonstrating your commitment to the mission of WWT.

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