Living Collections Manager

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); Ormskirk; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Living Collections Manager at their Ormskirk site. This permanent, full-time position offers the chance to oversee wetland bird and mammal collections while leading a dedicated team. Ideal candidates will possess extensive animal husbandry experience and strong management skills, contributing to valuable conservation efforts.

Benefits

33 days of annual leave

Free entry to all wetland centres

Flexible scheduling

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance

Colleague discounts

Cycle-to-work scheme

Access to financial advice

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in aviculture and animal welfare.
• Engaging people manager with strong planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the collection of wetland birds and mammals.
• Lead a team of keepers and improve animal husbandry.
• Engage with the public and maintain grounds for presentations.

Skills

Animal husbandry

People management

Planning

Communication

Education

A level standard or equivalent

Relevant degree

Job description

WWT Martin Mere

Ormskirk, Lancashire

Closing date for applications is: 15th Jun 2025

We are planning significant investment in redeveloping our zoological collection at Martin Mere and are seeking a creative Living Collections Manager with avicultural, grounds, and people management experience. The role involves overseeing our collection of wetland birds and mammals, supporting development plans, and leading a team of keepers.

The successful candidate will ensure high team performance, improve animal husbandry, foster strong interdepartmental relationships, and contribute to developing new exhibits.

Additional duties include public engagement, maintaining grounds presentation standards, and participating in the duty management team.

This is a permanent, full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week, including some weekends and bank holidays.

Relocation support may be available through short-term rental of an on-site cottage for up to 3 months.

About You

• Educated to A level standard or equivalent; relevant degree preferred.
• Extensive animal husbandry experience, especially in aviculture, with knowledge of UK zoo legislation and animal welfare.
• Engaging people manager with excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

Experience in exhibit design and horticultural management is desirable.

If you are interested, please apply to join our dedicated team.

About Us

WWT is committed to restoring wetlands and ecosystems. Our team is passionate and dedicated, working on groundbreaking research and conservation efforts worldwide.

By working here, you will help restore wetlands and unlock their potential. What role will you play?

Why You’ll Love Working at WWT

• Contribute to wetland restoration and environmental conservation.
• Be inspired by passionate colleagues.
• 33 days of annual leave, increasing to 38 days after 5 years, including bank holidays, with flexible scheduling.
• Free entry to all wetland centres for you and your family.
• Free parking and secure bike storage.
• Colleague discounts and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Life assurance of three times your salary.
• Access to personal, workplace, and financial advice from Care First.

We are an equal opportunities employer, considering all applications on merit.

For inquiries outside office hours, contact Jo Judge at 07593 580602. For urgent matters, reach out directly to our team members.

Registered in England and Wales, charity number 1128168, with offices in Regent’s Park, London.