At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead conservation, community engagement, and research initiatives at our Animal Centre.
- Company: Berkshire College of Agriculture, a leader in education and sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, career progression, and health perks.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment focused on sustainability and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare and education while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing educational programmes and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32418 - 35357 £ per year.
Closing date for applications: 19 July 2026.
Contact: Recruitment Team (recruitment@windsor-forest.ac.uk)
Sector: Education | Type: Paid Contract | Full‑time | Salary: £32,418.38 – £35,357.84.
Work schedule: 5 days out of 7, including occasional weekend work, 40 hours per week.
You will be the College Lead for the strategic development, operation and quality assurance of the Animal Centre’s conservation, research and public education provision. Your responsibilities will include:
- Design, develop and implement an engagement strategy that aligns with BIAZA requirements, ensuring that our animal and livestock collections provide an outstanding learning environment for students and the public.
- Guarantee that our research and conservation systems are robust, ethically sound and used to continuously improve animal welfare and biodiversity at the BCA site.
- Build and lead Conservation, Community and Research activity, consistently achieving the key performance indicators set out in the relevant strategies.
- Develop a high‑performing, supportive and challenging culture for staff and learners, rooted in the core college values and sector‑leading best practices in sustainability, animal welfare and industry engagement.
Qualifications and experience:
- Significant experience managing public education programmes at a senior level within the zoological, land‑based or further education sector.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, stakeholder management and programme delivery.
- Passion for creating inclusive learning environments and promoting sustainability and animal welfare.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of building high‑performing teams.
Benefits:
- Local Government Pension Scheme offering 24.3% employer contribution
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Career progression opportunities for ambitious staff
- Access to a wide range of subsidised leisure courses
- Access to excellent defined benefit pension schemes
- Free on‑site parking at all sites
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Family‑friendly policies to support work‑life balance
- On‑site coffee shop and cafeteria
- Health and wellbeing benefits including discounted gym memberships, confidential staff counselling and discounted hair and beauty treatments at The Salon at Langley College
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS and Barred List check and other legally required checks.
Recruitment agencies with a PSL are accepted; speculative CVs or unsolicited applications will not be acknowledged. Apply online through our careers page; ensure you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Conservation, Community and Research Lead employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling role as a Storesperson at the iconic Edinburgh Zoo. With a strong commitment to wildlife conservation, RZSS fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing through generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and access to a healthcare plan. Employees also enjoy unique perks like free entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo, making it a rewarding place to grow professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation, Community and Research Lead
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) that you're proactive and serious about the field.
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✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
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We think you need these skills to ace Conservation, Community and Research Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)'s values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Conservation, Community and Research Lead.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Conservation, Community and Research Lead.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
