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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage and enhance our amazing collection of wetland birds and mammals.
- Company: Join WWT, a passionate team dedicated to restoring wetlands and their ecosystems.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, free entry to wetland centres, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation while working with an inspiring team.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent, with animal management qualifications and extensive animal husbandry experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for short-term on-site accommodation for those relocating.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 38000 £ per year.
About The Role
£34,405 per annum • Permanent • WWT Martin Mere, Burscough, Lancashire • Closing Date: 23/02/2026
Exciting times are coming to Martin Mere, where we are planning considerable investment in redeveloping our zoological collection. We are looking to recruit a creative Living Collections Manager, with avicultural, grounds and people management experience, to take responsibility for our outstanding collection of wetland birds and mammals, to support our exciting development plans and to bring a team of keepers along for the ride. The successful candidate will ensure that your team performs at the highest level, be instrumental in improving animal husbandry, build strong working relationships with other departments and contribute to developing new exhibits. Other duties will include public engagement, keeping the grounds to a high standard of presentation and you will be part of the duty management team.
This is a permanent, full time position, working 37.5 hours per week including some weekends and bank holidays. There is the possibility of short term rental of an on-site cottage, at a reasonable rental rate, for a period of up to 6 months for anyone who may need to relocate for the role. 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 therefore encourage early applications.
About You
The successful candidate will:
- Be educated to A level standard, or equivalent, with an Animal Management qualification. A relevant degree being desirable
- Have extensive animal husbandry experience, in particular, aviculture
- Have knowledge of UK zoo legislation and animal welfare
- Have demonstrable experience of team management and be an engaging people manager with excellent planning and organisation skills
- Have excellent communication skills
- Experience of the design and development of exhibits and horticultural management are desirable.
If this sounds like you then click apply to be join of our dedicated team.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case. Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
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 (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
- 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, for peace of mind for your loved ones
- Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from Care first
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
Living Collection Manager employer: WWT
Contact Detail:
WWT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Living Collection Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research WWT and their mission to restore wetlands. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to animal husbandry and team management. We want you to shine, so think about examples from your experience that highlight your skills and passion for wildlife.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
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 wildlife and conservation shine through. We want to see how your love for aviculture and animal husbandry aligns with our mission at WWT.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in team management and animal care. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively, so showcase any leadership roles you've had in the past.
Be Specific: In your cover letter, mention specific examples of your achievements in animal husbandry or exhibit design. We appreciate concrete evidence of your skills and how they can benefit our collection at Martin Mere.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the advert early if we find the right candidate, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can.
How to prepare for a job interview at WWT
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your animal husbandry knowledge, especially aviculture. Familiarise yourself with UK zoo legislation and animal welfare standards. This will not only show your expertise but also your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you improved team performance or resolved conflicts. This is crucial since the role involves leading a team of keepers.
✨Engage with the Mission
WWT is all about restoring wetlands, so be ready to discuss how your values align with their mission. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to conservation and public engagement.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the future development plans for the zoological collection. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their exciting projects.
