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- Tasks: Lead animal welfare and conservation efforts while managing a dedicated team.
- Company: Join ZooSouth East, a leader in wildlife conservation and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £38,500, plus desirable benefits and potential onsite accommodation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation and inspire visitors through engaging experiences.
- Qualifications: Five years in a leadership role within zoology or wildlife management required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 32500 - 38500 £ per year.
Closing date for applications is: 20th Feb 2026
Contact: Laura Jenkins
Sector: Management
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: Up to £38,500 Per Annum DOE, Plus Desirable Benefits
Onsite accommodation may be available dependent on occupancy.
This key leadership position within the Animal Department is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of the animal collection, ensuring the highest standards of welfare, husbandry, and compliance, while supporting the organization’s conservation objectives.
Working closely with the Animal Collections Manager, Veterinary Department, Animal Records team, and Section Heads, the General Curator oversees animal movements, quarantine procedures, record keeping, breeding programmes, and surplus placements. The role also directs animal capture, transport, and veterinary interventions, supports preventative healthcare, and leads emergency responses. Acting as deputy to the Animal Collections Manager, the role ensures leadership continuity across teams.
As a senior people leader, the General Curator develops and manages Section Heads and animal teams, fostering a professional, welfare-focused culture. Responsibilities include recruitment, training, mentoring, performance management, rota planning, and supporting staff wellbeing, while leading organizational change. The role contributes to the planning, design, and delivery of new enclosures and refurbishments, managing projects from proposal to completion. It also supports visitor experience and education through talks, tours, VIP experiences, and external representation. Financial and administrative duties include budget support, strategic planning, correspondence, and acting as Person Responsible when required.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated senior animal professional with at least five years in a leadership role within a zoological or wildlife collection, such as deputy curator, head of section, or equivalent. You will have a strong track record of managing and developing teams, making strategic decisions, and overseeing animal welfare and collection management across a range of species, including large mammals. It is essential to have a valid UK driving licence (manual).
You will also have experience managing departmental or operational budgets, working within financial constraints, and broad management experience including logistics, problem-solving, team development, and delivering initiatives. Experience acting in a senior deputy capacity, such as deputising for an Animal Collections Manager or equivalent, is essential.
You will hold a degree or equivalent experience in a zoological, conservation, or animal-related discipline, with excellent knowledge of global conservation issues, welfare standards, and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will be adaptable, collaborative, and passionate about wildlife conservation, visitor engagement, and education, leading with professionalism and integrity.
Contract Details
The position is full time, working 40 hours per week, worked five days out of seven and will include weekends.
General Curator in London 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 General Curator in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the zoo and conservation community. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for animal welfare and conservation shine through. Share your experiences and ideas on how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation. Know their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨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 time to engage with us directly. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace General Curator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Curator role. Highlight your leadership experience, animal welfare knowledge, and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your background aligns with our conservation objectives!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about wildlife conservation and how your experience makes you the perfect fit for this role. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Team Management Skills: Since this role involves leading teams, be sure to showcase your experience in managing and developing staff. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a positive culture and supported team wellbeing – we’re all about collaboration here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about who we are and what we do!
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 welfare, conservation issues, and the specific species you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with ZooSouth East's mission and recent projects to show you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you've managed performance, mentored staff, or implemented changes that improved team dynamics or animal care. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a welfare-focused culture.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to animal management, emergency responses, or budget constraints, and think through how you'd handle them effectively.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and ZooSouth East's future plans. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
