Chester Zoo Cheshire Closing date for applications is:6th Apr 2026 Chester Zoo is the UK’s favourite zoo as well as aninternational conservation charity. What began as a family run zooin 1931 is now a globally renowned centre of excellence forconservation and scientific research, and one of the UK’s biggestand most popular visitor attractions, with more than 2 millionannual visitors. The zoo’s 128-acre site in Chester, which is hometo more than 37,000 animals and more than 500 species, is wherethis species-saving work is made possible. As a conservationpowerhouse, Chester Zoo works around the world to ensure speciesnot only survive but thrive. The zoo is a key part of 139international conservation breeding programmes, working with 62conservation partners in 19 countries to protect wildlife andpeople. We now have an exciting opportunity to join our team as werecruit for an experienced and forward-thinking Animal and PlantDirector. As part of the Director team and reporting into the ChiefConservation Officer/Deputy CEO (CCO), the Animal and PlantDirector will lead the department to deliver the strategicdirection of the zoo’s animal and plant work and guide success ofthe zoo in line with the organisation’s mission, values and unifiedstrategy. What you’ll do 1. Leadership & Planning and Teamdevelopment: Lead and inspire circa 200 employees within the Animal& Plant Department and develop the Animal and Plant plan toensure a comprehensive, strategic and purposeful approach to themanagement and conservation of animals and plants within the zoo.Have a ‘hands on’ approach fostering an environment of empowermentand collaboration to develop a culture of excellence, growth anddevelopment. 2. Conservation and Animal & Plant Management:Oversee the planning, acquisition, health, and wellbeing of one ofthe largest animal and plant collections in the UK and support theCCO in delivering our ambitious conservation plan targets,including those pertaining to species preservation and populationrestoration programs. 3. Collaboration: Build strong partnershipswith NGOs, governments, and other zoological and botanicalinstitutions, and maintain strong relationships across alldepartments of the zoo to maximise conservation impact and ensuresuccessful delivery of our organisational plan. 4. Operational andFinancial Excellence: Ensure compliance with zoo licenses,effectively manage facilities and exhibits for optimum animalwelfare, and oversee the design and upkeep of habitats and gardens,managing a budget of approximately £10 million per year. What we’relooking for 1. You’ll have significant expertise working at asimilar level in zoology/botany/conservation fields including:population management, conservation techniques, in situconservation/field work, taxonomy, animal husbandry, horticulture,welfare assessment and management. 2. You’ll have very strongleadership skills and the proven ability to lead in a complex andfast-moving environment. 3. You’ll have substantial peoplemanagement experience and experience in bringing diverse teamstogether to work in collaboration and leading them effectively toachieve shared goals. 4. You’ll have experience of strategydevelopment, planning and prioritising as well as budgetmanagement, within a similar environment. 5. You’ll be an excellentcommunicator, able to distil complex ideas to a variety ofaudiences in a clear and compelling way, and confident inmedia/public speaking. 6. You’ll be adept at building strongrelationships and gaining trust and respect quickly through anauthentic approach. 7. You’ll be an excellent team player, focusedon building collaborative relationships and working throughchallenges with a proactive and solutions focused approach. 8.You’ll be qualified to postgraduate level (masters level or above,or equivalent) in a zoology related discipline. 9. You’ll bewilling to travel both in the UK and Overseas as required. 10.You’ll be able to work on weekends as needed (and to fulfil theduty director ‘on call’ rota circa 5-7 weekends per year). Whatmakes Chester Zoo a great place to work? We’re a huge team ofconservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts,marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policyinfluencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on amission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet abetter place. As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitiousgoals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’rean inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 700permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how importantit is to invest in our colleagues to maximise their potential. Wehave ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the longterm on our exciting journey. Our working environment could not bemore different from a typical office – where else can you seecritically endangered orangutans from your office window, or strollamong endangered giraffes and tigers on your lunch break? ThePackage 1. 40 hours per week (5 out of 7 days) 2. 38 days annualleave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy or sell upto 5 days additional leave 3. Staff pass so you and your family canvisit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentarytickets for your friends and family 4. Cycle to work scheme 5.Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme 6. Discounted gymmembership 7. Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high streetshops and more via Perks 8. Pension scheme with generous employercontributions up to 9% #J-18808-Ljbffr
