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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in animal care and conservation efforts at a unique wildlife park.
- Company: Manor Wildlife Park, located in beautiful Pembrokeshire, Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, optional free accommodation, and a chance to live near stunning beaches.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation and inspire visitors through engaging experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in a zoo environment and strong knowledge of animal welfare standards.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to influence the development of a unique wildlife park.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Manor Wildlife Park is located in southwest Wales, Pembrokeshire, a region known for its beautiful coastline and wildlife. Closing date for applications is: 31st Oct 2025. Contact: Anna Ryder Richardson (hr@manorwildlifepark.co.uk).
Manor Wildlife Park is home to a range of animals, from a family of Sumatran tigers to white rhinoceros, Moon bears, and other species. We are members of EAZA and participate in conservation breeding programmes.
The Role – Zoo Manager
The Zoo Manager will be responsible for leading the animal care team and ensuring the smooth and professional management of the park’s animal collection.
Key Responsibilities
- Animal Care & Species Management: Oversee the welfare, husbandry, safety and enrichment of a diverse range of species, ensuring best practice in all aspects of animal and population management. Work with conservation breeding programmes, following recommendations to ensure healthy populations of threatened species.
- Work collaboratively with the Head Keeper to deliver all aspects of animal care and management to the highest standards.
- Staff Leadership: Manage, motivate, train and support a team of animal keepers, overseeing rotas, staff development and performance. Foster a positive team culture built on collaboration and accountability.
- Zoo Licensing & membership organisations: Manage the park on a daily basis to ensure compliance with zoo licensing standards under the Zoo Licensing Act. Lead on record keeping, documentation, and follow-up actions. Where applicable ensure the park meets the requirements for membership of zoo organisations such as BIAZA and EAZA.
- Health & Safety: Review, maintain and monitor high standards of health, safety, and biosecurity for staff, visitors, and animals. Lead and manage the zoo firearms team and emergency protocols.
- Education & Visitor Engagement: Create and support the delivery of engaging visitor experiences, talks, and educational initiatives that promote conservation and inspire public interest in wildlife.
- Strategic Development: Work alongside the Park Director to plan and deliver long-term improvements to animal facilities, conservation work, and visitor experiences.
About You
We are looking for an individual who can bring knowledge, leadership, and enthusiasm to the role.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven leadership in a zoo, safari park, or wildlife park environment
- Strong knowledge of animal husbandry and welfare standards across a range of species
- Demonstrated experience of managing populations of animals in ex situ environments
- Demonstrated experience in all aspects of staff management
- Familiarity with zoo licensing, inspections, and compliance processes
- Experience overseeing and developing emergency procedures in a zoo environment and an understanding of zoo firearms legislation and implementation
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A proactive and hands-on, positive team leadership style
- Effective time management and IT skills
Desirable
- Experience in conservation projects and education initiatives
- Knowledge of species planning and zoo habitat development
- An understanding of zoo membership organisations
What We Offer
- A chance to lead and inspire a passionate, dedicated animal care team
- Competitive salary (based on experience)
- Optional free on-site accommodation for 6 months (for the right applicant)
- The opportunity to live and work in beautiful Pembrokeshire, near world-class beaches, countryside, and cultural attractions
- A chance to directly influence the growth and development of a unique wildlife park
- The opportunity to be part of conserving threatened species through collaboration with conservation breeding programmes and organisations
Apply For This Job
To apply for the role of Zoo Manager at Manor Wildlife Park, please send:
- Your CV
- A covering letter outlining your experience and why you are suited to the role
Send applications to: hr@manorwildlifepark.co.uk
Application deadline: 31/10/25
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Zoo 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 Zoo Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the zoo and wildlife park 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 your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for animal care and conservation shine through. Share stories about your experiences with animals and how you've contributed to their welfare. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready for scenario-based questions during interviews. Think about how you would handle specific situations related to animal care, staff management, or emergency protocols. This shows you’re not just knowledgeable but also practical.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our platform. It helps us keep track of candidates better and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
We think you need these skills to ace Zoo Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in animal care and leadership, and explain why you're the perfect fit for the Zoo Manager role. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your passion for wildlife!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. Highlight your knowledge of animal husbandry, staff management, and any conservation projects you've been involved in. We love seeing how you can contribute!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and check for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail, so let your writing skills shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Manor Wildlife Park!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the species at Manor Wildlife Park. Familiarise yourself with their care, behaviour, and any conservation efforts related to them. This will show your passion for animal welfare and your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated staff or improved team dynamics. This is crucial as the role requires strong leadership to manage the animal care team effectively.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety
Be ready to discuss your experience with zoo licensing and health and safety standards. Highlight any previous roles where you ensured compliance with regulations, as this is a key responsibility for the Zoo Manager position.
✨Engage with Visitor Experience Ideas
Think about innovative ways to enhance visitor engagement and education. Prepare to share your ideas on creating memorable experiences that promote conservation, as this aligns with the park's mission and will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach.