Twycross Zoo is a fantastic conservation and education charity and historic organisation that has existed for over 60 years. At the heart of what we do, the reason we exist, is to be an influential conservation and education charity, delivering on our commitments to be guest obsessed and provide world-class animal environments and levels of husbandry. Alongside this, we strive to be an effective charity with a commercial mindset, putting our people at the heart of the organisation.

 

This is an exciting opportunity to join Twycross Zoo’s Conservation Programmes team to play a leading role in the development and delivery of UK native species conservation projects. This role will coordinate a range of projects combining ex situ conservation breeding with in situ conservation and monitoring. 

 

Initial priorities include developing and delivering ex situ conservation breeding programmes for native invertebrates such as glow-worms and Kentish glory moths, as well as coordinating and supporting habitat management work with field partners.

 

·         Coordinate and deliver Twycross Zoo’s UK-based species-conservation initiatives (e.g. ex situ breeding of glow-worms; reintroduction of the Kentish glory moth), achieving measurable conservation outcomes. 

·         Oversee conservation breeding of key native species (initially glow-worms and Kentish glory moths) and develop practical evidence-based husbandry best practice.

·         Collaborate with internal teams, external stakeholders, and academic experts to achieve long-term conservation impact.

 

1.      Develop husbandry protocols and undertake day-to-day ex situ care of key native species (e.g. glow-worms and Kentish glory moth), working closely with and supported by relevant animal husbandry teams where appropriate.

2.      Support the development and delivery of the Zoo’s native species conservation strategy, working with multiple stakeholders and supporting conservation activities across the UK. 

3.      Build relationships with the Zoo’s native species conservation partners to deliver agreed conservation outputs and ensure these are communicated effectively both internally and externally. 

4.      Monitor, evaluate and communicate project progress, outputs and conservation outcomes through clear reports, presentations and updates for internal and external stakeholders, including conservation partners, funders and academic institutions.

5.      Coordinate habitat assessments, biodiversity surveys, and species monitoring efforts in project field sites (e.g. Wyre Forest). This includes working with and alongside project partners, as well as coordinating Twycross Zoo staff volunteers. 

6.      Identify suitable funding opportunities and develop grant applications to support project delivery and implementation.

 

1.      An undergraduate degree in ecology, animal science, zoology, conservation biology or a related subject, or equivalent relevant professional experience. A postgraduate qualification is desirable. 

2.      Practical animal husbandry experience, including maintaining animal welfare and keeping accurate records. Experience with native invertebrates or conservation breeding programmes is desirable.

3.      Experience of habitat assessment and management, and of species surveying and monitoring methods. 

4.      Experience of preparing or contributing to grant applications and funding proposals for conservation or research projects. A track record of securing external funding is desirable.

5.      An understanding of the role of zoos in conservation and research, particularly in regard to supporting populations of threatened species in the UK. 

6.      Ability to build productive working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including conservation organisations, academic institutions and land managers.

7.      Ability to work independently and proactively, manage competing priorities effectively, and deliver work to agreed deadlines.

8.      Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear project reports, technical guidance and presentations for different audiences.

9.      A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel between project sites. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive sufficient applications.