Field Conservation Manager

We are entering a revolutionary and exciting new era here at Twycross Zoo and we are looking for a passionate conservationist to help us make a significant impact with our ambitious plans.

Our Charity

Twycross Zoo has existed for 60 years. We are at the forefront of conservation, education, and research. We have a strong commitment to our award-winning education programme, aiming to increase the level of awareness, knowledge and understanding of visitors about our animals. We aim to inspire visitors to support biodiversity conservation in any way they can. 

This is an exciting time to join Twycross Zoo as we have been awarded £18m grant funding to develop the National Science and Conservation Centre (NSCC) on the Twycross Zoo site. The NSCC will support vital work around species conservation. It will bring together experts in conservation science and train the next generation of conservationists, whilst offering researchers from around the world the opportunity to study the four great apes and other endangered species, in naturalistic complex environments. The facilities will include a lecture theatre, classrooms, and laboratories, all planned to open in 2025.

At the heart of what we do, the reason we exist, is to be an influential conservation and education charity.

The Role – Field Conservation Manager 

Reporting to the Director of Conservation, you will lead our Field Programmes department and play a critical role by using your science led decision making to increase the conservation impact of Twycross Zoo in alignment with our 2023-2030 Conservation Strategy.

You will be involved with developing a suite of field conservation projects, focusing on UK native biodiversity, great apes and the region of Indonesia, and the EEP species that TZ invests in. This role will be responsible for monitoring the impact of conservation activities, making sure that resources are used effectively.

Your duties will also include but will not be limited to:

• Effectively managing the activities of the department, including administration, managing the departmental budget, overseeing contracts with academic partners, compliance, and effective reporting on field conservation activity etc.
• Developing field conservation capacity through external funding applications
• Working with the Conservation Science Manager to ensure high quality and impactful research as well as leading on scientific publications to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of TZ’s field conservation activities
• Managing the native species Biodiversity Action Plan for the Twycross Zoo Nature Reserve and zoo site
• Effectively managing and leading the Conservation Committee alongside the Director of Conservation to ensure a holistic approach to conservation, and encouragement of cross-departmental involvement
• Supporting the marketing team to spread awareness for our conservation efforts, including providing talks via social media, and in-person public engagement activities

Our Requirements

• Educated to PhD level (or equivalent) in an animal-based or conservation subject
• Previous experience working in a conservation science-based role, either for a zoo, academic organisation, or NGO / conservation charity
• Experience of conducting impactful conservation research and publication of scientific literature
• Experience of managing field conservation projects, working in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, and evaluating project activities to demonstrate impact
• Specific work history and knowledge regarding in situ conservation needs for either great apes, UK native species, or the region of Indonesia
• Experience of line management and ability to work well cross-departmentally promoting good relationships with all departments
• Excellent computer skills, including scientific writing and statistical methodology
• Able to work to the highest degree of accuracy and confidentiality, with good organisational and communication skills

The Package

• Permanent contract
• Salary of £41,000
• 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Individual private healthcare – upon completion of probation period
• Life assurance – upon completion of probation period
• Onsite retail and catering discounts
• Free zoo entrance ticket for your days off, plus an allowance of tickets to use with friends and family throughout the year

You will be based at our zoo and offices near Atherstone (easily accessible off Junction 11 of the M42). Working 37.5 hours, 5 days out of 7, during zoo opening hours, with occasional weekend working as required.

More About Us

We welcome over 600,000 people every year to our 100-acre rural site near Atherstone, and are home to 400 animals, including one of the largest chimpanzee families in the UK, and our primate collection is up there with the best in the world! We’re the only zoo in the UK to house all four great apes and we care for many other endangered species to the highest welfare standards, including Eastern black rhino, Sumatran tigers, Amur leopards and snow leopards.

How to Apply

All applications for this Field Conservation Manager vacancy are to be submitted online, and strictly no agency calls or agency CV submissions.

The deadline for application for this role is the 5^th December 2023, however shortlisting and interviews for this Field Conservation Manager role will take place while the advert is live; the vacancy will be closed as soon as the successful candidate is appointed. Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.

Contact information

Twycross Zoo