Wildlife jobs in United Kingdom

ZSL is looking for a dedicated Archivist to deliver a high-quality archive service, ensuring that the Society’s historic records are preserved and accessible. The postholder will support both internal and external stakeholders in using ZSL’s archives for research, public engagement, and special projects, including the management of historic assets in preparation for ZSL’s 200th anniversary in 2026. The Archivist will also work closely with ZSL’s Legal and Governance and ICT teams on records management, while contributing to the delivery of the Library and information service.

This is a permanent role, offered on a part-time basis of 30 hours per week, Monday to Thursday, with a pro‑rated salary of £29,400.

• Archive Management: To manage ZSL’s archives, including administrative and institutional records and deposited material, by appraising, organising, cataloguing, conserving, promoting, and providing access to the collections.
• Research Support & Enquiries: To provide a high-quality archive service by responding to enquiries, assisting Library visitors researching ZSL’s history, liaising with current and former staff to provide and collate archive information, and engaging with zoo historians and academics interested in the history of science.
• Records Management Liaison: To work closely with the Legal and Governance Team and IT Department regarding relevant legislation, regulations, and records management practices.
• Outreach & Engagement: To promote the use of the archives and ZSL’s history through the website, blogs, talks, films, exhibits, and other initiatives, engaging staff, supporters, and the public.
• Library & Information Support: To assist in delivering a high-quality Library and information service, including Reading Room supervision and customer care, ensuring the security of Library collections, recording library use, managing the issue and return of borrowed materials, and helping visitors make effective use of catalogues, computers, and scanners.

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with postgraduate qualification in Archives/Records Management.
• Previous experience in an Archivist role, preferably in a learned society, charity or academic environment.
• Knowledge of archives management principles and practice.
• Proven experience of cataloguing and knowledge of ISAD(G) rules.
• Confident in dealing with archive enquiries.
• Understanding of key legislation relating to archives such as Data Protection, Copyright, Freedom of Information.
• Experience of public and supporter engagement.
• Skilled in customer care with a range of stakeholders.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Purpose driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays (increasing with milestone anniversaries).
• Access to ZSL’s staff Equality Networks –Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience.
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
• Cycle2Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.
• Season ticket loan – we offer an interest free loan for eligible London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.