Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Living Collection team, ensuring top-notch care for wetland wildlife.
- Company: Join WWT, a passionate team dedicated to restoring wetlands and wildlife conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, free entry to centres, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while inspiring visitors and leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Management experience in animal care and a passion for wildlife conservation required.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 34405 - 38405 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Living Collection Manager role at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) applying at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre. Closing date: 14th Jan 2026. Contact: Recruitment (recruitment@wwt.org.uk). Sector: Animal Care. Type: Paid. Contract type: Full‑time. Salary: £34,405 per annum.
About the Role
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and skilled Living Collection Manager to join the team at the Arundel Wetland Centre. In this pivotal role, you will lead and manage the Grounds & Living Collection teams, overseeing the care and maintenance of our diverse living collection while ensuring exceptional standards of presentation and horticulture across the site. As the Living Collection Manager, you will be responsible for upholding the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare. You’ll work closely, leading the team to continually enhance and maintain our exhibits, showcasing a variety of wetland wildlife. Additionally, you will take an active role in engaging with visitors, delivering informative talks, and helping them connect with our collection and the importance of wetland wildlife conservation. This is a permanent, full‑time position, requiring you to work 37.5 hours per week, 5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays.
About You
- Proven management‑level experience in a similar setting
- Extensive background in large‑scale visitor attractions with animal collections
- Expertise in the care, feeding, and husbandry of birds and mammals
- A passion for inspiring and motivating a team
- In‑depth knowledge of UK zoo legislation and animal welfare
- A strong track record in innovative problem‑solving
- Excellent leadership and team‑building skills
- Experience in customer relations, public speaking, education, and creative projects
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 encourage early applications.
About Us
WWT is on a mission to restore the super‑powered ecosystems we call wetlands. Our team is second to none.
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 after 5 years) – includes bank holidays and flexibility
- 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
- 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.
Apply For This Job
For more information and to apply, please follow the link: https://vacancies.wwt.org.uk/vacancies/620/living-collection-manager.html
Living Collection Manager employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Living Collection Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, dive into WWT's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to wetland conservation will help you connect your passion for animal care with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated teams in the past. Highlighting your experience in managing living collections will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your public speaking! Since you'll be engaging with visitors and delivering talks, brush up on your presentation skills. Consider doing a mock presentation to a friend or family member to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly via the WWT careers page. This way, you ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Living Collection Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for animal care and conservation shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at WWT, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing living collections and animal husbandry. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and expertise, so customise it for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Living Collection Manager position. Be sure to mention your leadership style and how you engage with visitors, as these are key aspects of the role.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications, and getting yours in sooner rather than later can help you stand out in the crowd. Head over to our website to apply!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal husbandry, especially regarding birds and mammals. Familiarise yourself with UK zoo legislation and be ready to discuss how you would uphold these standards in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage effectively.
✨Engage with Passion
Since this role involves public speaking and engaging with visitors, practice delivering informative talks about wetland wildlife. Show your enthusiasm for conservation and how you can connect with the audience to inspire them.
✨Problem-Solving Scenarios
Be ready to discuss innovative solutions you've implemented in previous roles. Think of specific scenarios where you had to solve problems related to animal care or visitor engagement, as this will highlight your critical thinking skills.
