Interpretation Manager

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); Noordwes; Hybrid; ZAR 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wildlife charity in South Africa is seeking an Interpretation Manager to oversee the development and management of interpretive materials for visitors. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in exhibition development, strong leadership skills, and a passion for conservation. This role offers a permanent contract with a competitive salary and substantial benefits including annual leave and wellness programs.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Healthcare plan

Discounted gym membership

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in developing exhibitions in a zoo or similar environment.
• Strong management skills supervising a team.
• Experience managing multiple projects with deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage interpretation and signage standards at the zoo.
• Oversee internal teams and coordinate with external contractors.
• Develop audience-focused interpretive materials.

Skills

Project management

People management

Creative design

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Museum Studies MA

Degree in Zoology or Biological Science

Job description

Chester Zoo

North West Closing date for applications is: 13th Aug 2025

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to more than 37,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.

The Interpretation Manager works as a key member of our professional team, taking responsibility for the management of all interpretation across the site, maintaining the high standards our visitors deserve. Interpretation has the potential to educate, to enhance visitor experience and to empower visitors to live more sustainably. No two days are alike in this dynamic, creative role; one day you might be creating a piece of giraffe focused interpretation for our new Heart of Africa zone, and the next, developing a scheme of new wayfinding solutions.

As Interpretation Manager you will:

• Skilfully manage a range of differing priorities and projects, using excellent organisational skills.
• Manage internal team members and external contractors professionally.
• Ensure all interpretation, including signage, exhibitions, theming, interactives, digital, models and artwork are produced to a high standard and in line with the zoo’s core messaging and mission.

The Package

• This is a permanent contract
• Salary of £39,833 per annum (based on 40 hours)
• 40 hours per week, usually 9am-5.30pm, Monday – Friday; occasional weekend working is required.
• Potential for some home working
• 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%

Our Requirements – Interpretation Manager

• Substantial experience developing exhibitions, interactives and interpretive schemes in a zoo, aquarium, museum, gallery, or similar environment is essential.
• Strong people management skills - supervising a team and managing the work of others or relevant experience.
• Substantial experience managing projects, with demonstrable experience of time management, managing budgets, administration, and planning skills. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meeting deadlines and ensuring appropriate quality control.
• Knowledge of legislation and best practice guidance as it applies to the development of interpretation, including copyright, DDA, health and safety, CDM and GDPR.
• An eye for design and a creative approach to interpretation and communicating with zoo visitors. Attention to detail and excellent copy writing skills, alongside the ability to write for a broad range of audiences is essential.
• Audience focused approach, demonstrated through experience in a customer focused environment and understanding of audience segmentation and developing interpretation for different audiences.
• Experience commissioning and contracting designers, artists, builders, and other contractors.
• Strong IT skills. Skilled in the use of all key Microsoft packages and use of digital technologies for public engagement.
• Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills. Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team, to work under pressure and to collaborate with various stakeholders across the zoo and beyond.
• Our values are to be mission motivated; passionate people, working together, to be the best. The post holder will need to be able to clearly demonstrate these values in their own behaviours and support them in the teams they work with.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• A formal qualification with an interpretation element such as a Museum Studies MA is desirable.
• A working knowledge of conservation and/ or zoology. This could be demonstrated by a Zoology or Biological Science degree and/or experience of working within a zoo, conservation organisation or similar environment. Alternatively, the post holder could have a strong understanding of exhibitions and interpretation from museums, galleries, or alternative collections and/ or a relevant degree.

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes…

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

The closing date for applications is 13 August 2025.

Shortlisting of applications and arrangement of interviews will take place while the advert is live, candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close the advert early.

Apply for this job:

Apply online via the Chester Zoo website

BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783.Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)