At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for birds and support exciting conservation breeding projects.
- Company: Join WWT Slimbridge, a leader in wetland conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Work in a passionate team dedicated to restoring wetlands.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation every day.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic, practical, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25985 - 25985 € per year.
WWT Slimbridge (Centre) – South-West England
Closing date for applications: 25th May 2026
Contact: Recruitment Team (recruitment@wwt.org.uk)
Sector: Conservation, Type: Paid Contract, Full-time
Salary: £25,985 per annum
About The Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic, practical Conservation Breeding Officer (CBO) to join the Conservation Breeding Unit (CBU) at WWT Slimbridge. The CBO will focus on care for birds in the Black‑tailed Godwit (BTG) project, support the developing Welsh and Severn Estuary White‑tailed Eagle Reintroduction Project, and assist with new conservation breeding projects for UK wetland species, including non‑avian taxa. Based at WWT Slimbridge, the successful candidate will deliver high standards of biosecure animal and plant husbandry, maintain conservation breeding infrastructure, and manage vegetation within CBU’s biosecure areas. Occasional travel to other WWT sites or UK field locations may be required.
About The Job
Working within a professional conservation breeding environment at WWT Slimbridge, you will deliver high‑quality animal and plant husbandry in line with established standards. Deliver exemplary daily husbandry for wetland species within conservation breeding projects, ensuring optimal welfare, health, breeding performance and environmental conditions. Prepare, operate and maintain appropriate life‑support and propagation facilities/environments including indoor and outdoor housing and managed habitats to meet species‑specific biological and/or behavioural needs. Monitor health, behaviour and breeding activity, maintaining accurate auditable husbandry and environmental records using both paper and digital systems. Implement rigorous biosecurity and hygiene protocols consistent with our professional conservation breeding practices to protect animals, plants and staff. Support the design and delivery of new conservation breeding programmes, including those involving non‑avian taxa, with appropriate consideration of species ecology, life‑support systems and habitat requirements.
About You
The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, positive and practical, with strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of an ambitious and committed team.
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 (up to 38 days after 5 years of service), including bank holidays, with flexibility in taking days
- Free entry to all wetland centres, including 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.
Conservation Breeding Officer employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
WWT Slimbridge is an exceptional employer for those passionate about conservation, offering a vibrant work culture where your efforts contribute directly to restoring wetlands and protecting wildlife. With generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave, free entry to wetland centres, and a supportive team environment, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the field of conservation.
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation Breeding Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation field, especially those connected to WWT. Attend events or join online forums where you can chat about conservation breeding and make some valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for conservation shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to wildlife and habitat restoration.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! As a Conservation Breeding Officer, you might be tested on your hands-on skills. Brush up on your husbandry techniques and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of biosecurity protocols.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the WWT team and making a difference in conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation Breeding Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for conservation shine through! We want to see how much you care about wildlife and wetland restoration, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Conservation Breeding Officer role. We’re looking for specific skills and experiences related to animal husbandry and biosecurity, so don’t be shy about showcasing those!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at WWT Slimbridge!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Conservation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of conservation breeding, especially related to wetland species. Familiarise yourself with the Black-tailed Godwit and White-tailed Eagle projects, as well as any recent developments in conservation practices. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Since this role involves hands-on work, be ready to discuss your practical experience in animal husbandry or similar fields. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed care for animals or plants, and highlight any relevant biosecurity protocols you've implemented in past roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to work both independently and as part of a team, as collaboration is essential in conservation efforts.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the future of the conservation breeding projects or how the team collaborates across different WWT sites. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role and its impact.
