Registrar's Assistant and Records Coordinator

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

Job summary

A prominent conservation organization in London is seeking a Registrar’s assistant and records coordinator to support animal and plant records maintenance. The ideal candidate has a degree-level education, strong IT skills, and excellent communication abilities. Responsibilities include supporting animal transfers, managing databases, and liaising with governmental agencies. This full-time position offers a salary of £30,000 per annum along with various employee benefits.

Benefits

33 days annual leave plus option to buy/sell days

Staff passes for zoo visits

Cycle to work scheme

Healthcare plan

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of taxonomy, biology, and animal care across various species.
• Knowledge of international animal transfer legislation and processes.
• Previous experience in a zoo or conservation environment is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of animal and plant transfers, liaising with external organisations.
• Daily data entry and interrogation of ZIMS and other databases.
• Respond to internal and external queries about historical records.

Skills

Strong IT skills with proven experience using database systems

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Collaborative mindset

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

Tools

ZIMS

Job description

Chester Zoo

North West / Chester Closing date for applications is: 22nd Aug 2025

Contact: Chester Zoo Recruitment ([e-mail]) Sector: Conservation Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £30,000 per annum

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Registrar’s assistant and records coordinator to join our Animal and Plant Division at Chester Zoo.

Working closely with the Registrar and Records Assistant, this role plays a vital part in supporting our species conservation efforts by ensuring our animal and plant records are maintained with exceptional accuracy and care. You’ll be a key figure in helping to manage the zoo’s extensive record-keeping systems, facilitate the movement of animals and plants between institutions, and uphold our commitment to legal compliance and data integrity. Whether it’s entering critical data into ZIMS, liaising with Government agencies on CITES and APHA/DEFRA requirements, or training colleagues in record-keeping protocols, this role will place you at the heart of our conservation mission.

What The Role Involves

• Supporting all aspects of animal and plant transfers, including liaising with external organisations and obtaining relevant documentation for legal compliance (APHA/DEFRA, CITES, etc.)
• Daily data entry and interrogation of ZIMS and other databases, ensuring records are up to date, accurate, and in line with zoo licensing legislation
• Responding to internal and external queries, including historical records and reporting requests
• Setting up ZIMS access for users, supporting training and providing guidance on data entry
• Collaborating with animal and plant teams, vets, and Animal Heads of Department to support the logistical and veterinary requirements of transfers
• Assisting in identifying operational needs such as equipment, software, and resources
• Contributing to the planning of transfers and projects and identifying any issues that could impact success
• Supporting the preparation of departmental input into the zoo’s annual budget, particularly in areas relating to records and transfers
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Degree level education or equivalent experience in a relevant field
• A solid understanding of taxonomy, biology, and animal care across a broad range of species
• Knowledge of international animal transfer legislation and processes
• Strong IT skills with proven experience using database systems; experience with ZIMS is highly desirable
• Excellent communication skills – written, verbal, and in-person
• Attention to detail, with excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with multiple departments and external stakeholders
• A proactive approach, with the ability to respond flexibly to changing priorities and timelines
• Previous experience in a zoo or conservation environment is desirable but not essential
  
  

The Package

• Permanent contract
• Full time - 40 hours per week
• £30,000 per annum
• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
  
  

Closing date for applications is 22 August 2025.

Apply For This Job

Please apply through our website using the following link:

https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/chesterzoo/Job/JobDetail?JobId=1457

Click 'Apply for Job'