Conservation Curator

Assistant Curator - Birds, Herptiles and Invertebrates

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as we enter a new chapter in our conservation efforts and exceptional work delivered by our Birds, Herptile and Invertebrates team in this newly created role.

Twycross Zoo is an award-winning conservation and science-led zoo in the heart of England, rapidly growing and welcoming over 600,000 people every year to our 100-acre rural site. We are home to over 400 animals, including one of the largest chimpanzee families in the UK, and our primate collection is up there with the best in the world. We care for many other endangered species to the highest welfare standards, including Eastern black rhino, Sumatran tigers, Ecuadorian amazon parrots, and no less than four species of gibbon.

The Role – Assistant Curator - Birds, Herptiles and Invertebrates
Reporting to the Senior Curator, you will be responsible for all elements of animal wellbeing and the presentation of all the zoo's bird, herptile, and invertebrate species. These taxa have traditionally been under-represented at Twycross Zoo and we are looking for somebody who can both increase and improve the species we care for, with conservation impact being at the forefront.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide excellent leadership, embedding a solution-focussed approach to challenges while striving for a positive team culture and engagement.
• Be responsible for all elements of team management for a team of Keepers, including training and development, performance management, and input on ethical decisions.
• Ensure continued improvement of standards of animal care in line with best practice, SSSMZP, and zoo licensing requirements.
• Regularly assess animal management, recommending and implementing areas for improvement.
• Establish positive communication channels internally and externally, ensuring relevant information is passed on effectively and efficiently.
• Assume Duty Animal Manager responsibilities on a rota basis, including taking the lead role in the event of an animal emergency.
• Practice professional and effective communication with external work colleagues, particularly in regards to the European and international management of bird, herptile, and invertebrate species.
• Ensure that the zoo's policies, procedures, and protocols are followed at all times, updating and reviewing all relevant Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures as necessary.
• Take a proactive approach to maintenance concerns, liaising with the maintenance department.
• Work closely with the zoo's veterinary team in all aspects of animal health care, including capture and restraint techniques, preventative medicine programmes, reactive care, and cooperative health monitoring through animal training.
• Show initiative in the support and facilitation of work from other departments, including zoo-based research, conservation education, and animal services.
• Work closely with all relevant parties involved in project planning and implementation, taking an active role in species and exhibit planning.
• Represent the zoo on appropriate professional and scientific bodies, promoting our profile and reputation as an outstanding centre of animal management, research, conservation, and education.
• Be part of the team ensuring the security of the zoo premises and grounds, including being a member of the firearms/recapture team.
• Be willing to be trained as a first aider and to be on call as part of the first aid duty rota.

Requirements

• Obtained at least a BSc (or equivalent experience) in an animal or conservation-related subject, achieved the DMZAA (or equivalent) qualification.
• Breadth of specialist knowledge of the modern practices for the keeping of the relevant taxa, with extensive knowledge in either bird or herptile management in zoos, if not both.
• Up-to-date best practice knowledge for species management and be highly motivated in the delivery of these high standards.
• Proven ability in efficiently managing large and complex teams, able to demonstrate extensive experience in how to lead and inspire a wide variety of people with a flexible and calm working style.
• High level of knowledge with regards to breeding programme management and the wider role of modern zoos in species and habitat conservation, with a good understanding of species planning.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise work, producing high-quality work in an efficient and timely manner.
• IT competence in Microsoft Office and ZIMS.

The Package

• Work 37.5 hours per week on average, 5 days out of 7 on a two-week rolling rota.
• Permanent contract.
• Salary of £33,000.
• 31 days annual leave.
• Staff membership card giving you free entry to the zoo on your days off.
• Complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family.
• 25% discount in the Twycross Zoo gift shop.
• 20% discount in Twycross Zoo food and beverage outlets.
• Star of the month award scheme.
• Access to employee assistance services.