BIAZA Hiring for Head of Field Conservation and Higher Education Job at South West England , UK Full Time

Salary: £49,500

Contracted Hours: 37.5

Location: Bristol Zoo Gardens/ Wild Place Project

Contract Type: Permanent

Bristol Zoological Society is undertaking a significant period of transformation including the development of a new Bristol Zoo at the 136 acre Wild Place Project site in South Gloucestershire.

Never has such a significant transformation taken place in the Society’s 185-year history and this represents an extraordinary opportunity for the Society to not only establish a world-class zoo for Bristol but also to ensure that through the transformation programme we grow as a conservation charity and that we continue to deliver conservation impact. Through our ambitious Strategy to 2035 we will ensure that the organisation as a whole is fit-for-purpose and best placed to achieve its wider charitable mission and vision for the long-term.

Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Conservation, this role is critical to ensuring that the Society’s conservation strategy, higher education and other external partnerships are achieving strong impact, throughout this period of change and for the future. The role includes leadership and oversight of high-profile international field programmes and multiple projects across the world, working with a range of taxa and habitats as well as partnerships with four higher education bodies and a range of internal and external of stakeholders.

Candidates will be leaders with strong experience in practical field conservation as well as within the higher education sector. Experience of working internationally is a must as will be sensitively working with other cultures to achieve solid conservation impact. You must be proactive and able to work with highly motivated multi-disciplinary teams. In addition, you will be a member of our senior leadership team working to create the new Bristol Zoo, a landmark tourist attraction which will attract visitors for many generations to come. Familiarity with the wider conservation community and understanding of the role of zoos in conservation is essential.

The ability to demonstrate adaptive management in the rapidly growing conservation sector, strong team development and multi-cultural diplomacy are important attributes we are seeking. Good financial acumen, strong budget management and being well organised are essential to the role.