At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a unique crocodile zoo, ensuring animal welfare and strategic management.
- Company: Crocodiles of the World, the UK's only dedicated crocodile zoo.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and public engagement.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and contribute to global conservation efforts.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in zoology and strong reptile knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 50000 € per year.
A senior leadership role combining strategic curatorial oversight with operational management of the UK’s only crocodile zoo.
Location: Brize Norton, Oxfordshire
Salary: £42,000 – £50,000 (DOE, inclusive of allowances)
Closing date: 30 April 2026
Reporting to: Zoo Director
About Us
At Crocodiles of the World, we are proud to be the UK’s only dedicated crocodile zoo, delivering exceptional standards in animal welfare, conservation, and education. Our organisation plays a critical role in global conservation breeding programmes, public engagement, and scientific research.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Curator & Zoo Manager to join our senior leadership team. This role offers both strategic oversight and operational leadership across all aspects of the animal and plant collections, ensuring the highest standards of welfare, compliance, and professional excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Collection & Animal Management
- Provide strategic oversight of all animal and plant collections
- Lead long‑term species planning, including acquisitions, dispositions, and conservation breeding programmes
- Ensure all husbandry and welfare practices meet or exceed industry best practice
- Departmental Leadership
- Line manage the Conservation, Education & Research Manager, Compliance Manager, and senior keeping staff
- Lead recruitment, training, and professional development across animal teams
- Foster a high‑performing, collaborative culture aligned with organisational values
- Compliance & Accreditation
- Ensure full compliance with licensing requirements and recognised industry bodies, including BIAZA and EAZA
- Lead preparation for inspections, audits, and accreditation processes
- Oversee accurate and robust record‑keeping and documentation
- Operational Leadership
- Participate in the Duty Manager rota, providing visible and effective on‑site leadership
- Lead emergency planning, incident response, and risk management protocols
- Represent the organisation at industry forums, conferences, and professional networks
- Financial & Resource Management
- Manage departmental budgets, resources, and operational efficiency
- Contribute to fundraising initiatives, partnerships, and grant applications
About You
We are seeking a credible and experienced zoological leader with strong reptile knowledge, combined with the ability to lead, support, and develop high‑performing specialist teams. You will be confident providing informed oversight of a complex and unique collection, while empowering subject‑matter experts to excel in their roles.
Essential Experience
- Significant senior management experience within a zoo or wildlife collection
- Demonstrable experience working with reptiles, with a strong understanding of husbandry, welfare, and behavioural management principles
- Experience overseeing collections or working alongside specialist teams and subject‑matter experts
- Strong knowledge of animal welfare standards and collection planning
- Demonstrable experience with licensing, compliance, and regulatory inspections
Essential Skills
- Proven leadership capability with experience managing multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to lead, support, and develop specialist staff, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance culture
- Strong strategic thinking, planning, and organisational skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Sound understanding of BIAZA and EAZA standards
Desirable
- Experience representing an organisation within the zoological or conservation sector
- Background in conservation, education, or research strategy development
- Knowledge of conservation funding, partnerships, or project management
- Experience in public engagement or educational programme delivery
- Experience working with, or overseeing, reptile‑focused or specialist zoological collections
Eligibility
All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Additional Information
Participation in a Duty Manager rota is required, including some weekends.
Curator & Zoo Manager in London employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Crocodiles of the World is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the UK's only dedicated crocodile zoo in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. With a strong commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and education, we foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and high performance. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, involvement in global conservation efforts, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the zoological community.
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Curator & Zoo Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow zoo professionals and conservationists on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for reptiles! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and insights about animal welfare and conservation. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in zoological management and conservation. We love candidates who are up-to-date and can bring fresh ideas to the table. Don’t forget to check out our website for any specific insights we might have!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We appreciate candidates who take that extra step to express their interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Curator & Zoo Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation:When writing your application, let your love for wildlife and conservation shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours at Crocodiles of the World, so share your experiences and what drives you in this field.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Curator & Zoo Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience with reptiles and leadership skills, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects or achievements that showcase your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Reptiles
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of reptiles, especially crocodiles. Familiarise yourself with their husbandry, welfare standards, and any recent developments in conservation practices. This will not only show your passion but also your expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you fostered a collaborative culture or managed multidisciplinary teams. Highlighting your leadership experience will be crucial for this senior role.
✨Understand Compliance and Accreditation
Get to grips with the licensing requirements and standards set by BIAZA and EAZA. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach inspections and audits at Crocodiles of the World.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with Crocodiles of the World's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs, particularly in terms of conservation, education, and public engagement. Showing that you resonate with their goals can set you apart from other candidates.
