At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in evaluating zoos and aquariums to ensure they meet high standards.
- Company: BIAZA, a leading organisation for zoos and aquariums in Britain and Ireland.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with professionals, and contribute to animal welfare.
- Other info: Flexible commitment; travel expenses covered for screening visits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation and animal welfare while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: 5 years in a zoo or aquarium management role; strong communication skills.
BIAZA’s purpose is to bring together the best zoos and aquariums in Britain and Ireland to create a better future for the planet and its inhabitants. We drive excellence in animal welfare, conservation, education and research, demonstrate our members’ value to society, and use our collective expertise and voice to influence policy and champion positive behaviours. BIAZA is looking to introduce an accreditation programme for all zoo licence holding members to ensure and evidence the high standards across our membership, and to have supportive and constructive dialogue to continue increasing our collective impact.
This voluntary role involves assisting BIAZA to determine whether its members are meeting the required standards and providing advice and support to members to encourage best practice in key areas. It involves reviewing paperwork and reports compiled by the Accreditation Officer based on information provided by the member and participating in a screening visit to evaluate their achievement of the BIAZA standards in practice. A member of the BIAZA team will participate in all screenings as the rapporteur, and will provide support throughout the process. The Accreditation Officer will coordinate and facilitate screenings and provide administrative support to the screeners.
Main Responsibilities- Participate in accreditation screener training
- Review desk‑based screening paperwork and summary report in advance of screening visits
- Participate in screening visits (1–3 days depending on member size) to objectively evaluate member standards against BIAZA standards in accordance with the accreditation framework
- Agree on the final accreditation report and recommendations
This role is voluntary. You will be part of a wide team of voluntary BIAZA Accreditation Screeners. As such there is flexibility in the commitment needed but we would hope that screeners would be available to participate in at least one screening per year. Your travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses while participating in screening on behalf of BIAZA will be covered in accordance with the BIAZA expenses policy.
Person SpecificationRequired- Be a professional BIAZA member or be employed by a full BIAZA member
- Have a minimum of 5 years working experience in a zoo or aquarium
- Currently hold or have previously held a management position in a relevant area (e.g. director, animal management, conservation, conservation education, research)
- Must stay abreast of current best practices and BIAZA policies
- Must be able to remain up to date with BIAZA accreditation screener training
- Must be able to attend at least 1 accreditation screening per year (and have Director support for this where applicable)
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality
- Must be able to maintain impartiality
- Must have good English written and oral communication skills
- Be actively engaged with BIAZA (e.g. through attending annual conference, participating in Committees or WGs)
Please send a CV and Expression of Interest to admin@biaza.org.uk. Your EoI should be a short outline of any relevant experience, qualifications, why you are interested in the role and any ideas on future areas of work; the EoI should be a maximum of 500 words.
BIAZA Accreditation Screener employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
BIAZA is an exceptional employer for those passionate about animal welfare and conservation, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the accreditation of zoos and aquariums across Britain and Ireland. As a volunteer, you will join a dedicated team that values collaboration and professional growth, with flexible commitments and covered expenses for screening visits, making it a rewarding experience for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the field. The supportive work culture fosters continuous learning and engagement with industry best practices, ensuring that your contributions are both valued and impactful.
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BIAZA Accreditation Screener
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the zoo and aquarium sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for advice or insights. We all know someone who knows someone, so leverage that!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching BIAZA and its accreditation standards. Show us you’re passionate about animal welfare and conservation. We want to see that you understand our mission and how you can contribute to it!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your experience and ideas clearly. We want to hear your thoughts on best practices and how you can support BIAZA’s goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace BIAZA Accreditation Screener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in zoos or aquariums, especially any management roles. Keep it clear and concise, focusing on what makes you a great fit for the BIAZA Accreditation Screener role.
Nail Your Expression of Interest:This is your chance to shine! In your EoI, outline your experience and qualifications, but also share why you're passionate about this role. Keep it under 500 words and don’t forget to sprinkle in some ideas for future work – we love creativity!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since good written communication is key for this role, make sure your application is well-structured and free of typos. Use clear language and a friendly tone to reflect your personality – we want to see the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your BIAZA Basics
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in BIAZA’s mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their accreditation standards and recent initiatives. This will show your genuine interest and help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight your experience in zoos or aquariums, especially any management roles. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've contributed to animal welfare, conservation, or education. This will demonstrate your capability to meet the role's requirements.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to evaluate standards and provide constructive feedback. Think of scenarios where you had to maintain impartiality or confidentiality, and be prepared to explain how you handled them effectively.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, express your passion for conservation and animal welfare. Show that you’re not just looking for a volunteer role, but that you genuinely want to contribute to BIAZA’s mission. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
