Conservation Science Manager

We are entering a revolutionary and exciting new era here at Twycross Zoo and we are looking for a passionate scientist 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 – Conservation Science Manager

Reporting to the Director of Conservation, you will lead our Conservation Science department and play a crucial role by using science led decision making to increase the conservation impact of Twycross Zoo in alignment with our 2023-2030 Conservation Strategy which you will help to develop and lead.

You will actively develop a body of applied conservation research projects that will strengthen and support Twycross Zoo’s reputation for publishing high impact research that supports ex situ and in situ conservation.

With line management responsibility for the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Coordinator, your duties will 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, ensuring effective reporting on research activity, maintaining a database of outputs, ensuring ethical review and zoo licence compliance, and managing the zoo’s library etc.
• Identifying and achieving external research funding to further conservation science in advance of the National Science and Conservation Centre (2025)
• Developing joint PhD projects that further our research priorities, and acting as an industry supervisor
• Managing and facilitating student research, including reviewing and evaluating research applications, and supervising students onsite (including delivering inductions, and ensuring compliance with our H&S protocol)
• Promoting the research outputs of Twycross Zoo, internally and externally, including production of reports and an annual NSCC research symposium

Our Requirements

• Educated to PhD level (or equivalent experience) 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
• Impressive publication history, regarding zoo or field conservation research
• Thorough understanding of current threats to wildlife, and how research can provide opportunities to develop conservation solutions
• Track record of conducting and publishing impactful conservation research
• 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 Conservation Science 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 Conservation Science 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