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Senior Ecologist

Abbotts Hall,

Essex Ecology is the Trust’s ecology consultancy. A commercial subsidiary, which provides essential income for the Trust and helps achieve our mission for a wilder Essex. We are an organisation going through a period of exciting growth.

As part of Essex Ecology, the ecological consultancy of Essex Wildlife Trust, the Senior Ecologist will play a vital role in supporting biodiversity monitoring, ecological assessments, and nature recovery delivery across Essex. You will contribute to our consultancy’s commercial success by delivering high-quality ecological services, while supporting our parent charity’s conservation objectives.

In addition to fieldwork and advisory responsibilities, this role requires excellent management of client relationships, report delivery and administrative follow-up, with the support of a dedicated administrator. The post-holder will be expected to manage their workflow with efficiency, respond promptly to customer queries, and uphold high standards in all written outputs and project documentation.

This role would suit someone with 7+ years of ecological experience (consultancy or conservation), with proven ability to manage clients. This role requires a full driving license and access to a vehicle.
 

This role is a permanent position. The hours of work are 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm) with a starting salary of £36,000 per annum. The base of work is Abbotts Hall, Great Wigborough. Essex Wildlife Trust offers flexible homeworking arrangements. Further details of the hybrid-working arrangements will be shared at interview.

Please complete an online application form on our website by 9am on Monday 26 January 2026. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11 February at Abbotts Hall. If you would like an informal chat about the role, please feel free to contact jobs@essexwt.org.uk

The driving force behind our success is our people who, with their collective expertise, push us to think differently and bravely lead the way.  

Our culture respects equality, values diversity and encourages individuality – accepting and appreciating all views and beliefs and providing an environment for ideas to come alive. We welcome everyone who shares the Mace values, regardless of background, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Drawing on a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, experience and expertise to challenge convention is our strength. It’s the reason why we continue to grow and it’s the secret to how we’ve built some of the world’s most renowned buildings.

Should you need to discuss any reasonable adjustments or require guidance about our recruitment process, please contactinclusiverecruitment@macegroup.com to speak to a member of our team. You can read our diversity and inclusion strategy here. 

Our culture respects equality, values diversity and encourages individuality – accepting and appreciating all views and beliefs and providing an environment for ideas to come alive. We welcome everyone who shares the Mace values, regardless of background, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Drawing on a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, experience and expertise to challenge convention is our strength. It’s the reason why we continue to grow and it’s the secret to how we’ve built some of the world’s most renowned buildings.

Should you need to discuss any reasonable adjustments or require guidance about our recruitment process, please contact

Whatever your aspiration, we’ll help you redefine the boundaries of your ambitions.

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Volunteer Wildlife & Visitor Assistant

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

Closing date for applications is: 16th Feb 2026

Do you love wildlife, wild places and sharing that passion with others? We’re looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to join our team and help bring the reserve to life for visitors. This role combines the best of both worlds: engaging with the public on tours and getting stuck in with practical jobs that keep the reserve running smoothly.

This is a chance to be part of a unique conservation site, gain hands-on experience, and support our mission to protect and celebrate the incredible species that call the reserve home.

Your responsibilities:

Visitor Engagement & Tours

• Join staff on guided tours and help deliver fun, informative wildlife experiences.

• Chat with visitors, answer questions, and help them connect with the animals and the conservation work we do.

• Support with visitor management to ensure everyone stays safe and respects the welfare of the animals.

Reserve Jobs & Practical Support

• Help with daily tasks that keep the site running, from equipment checks to prepping feed stations and supporting basic maintenance.

• Assist with seasonal habitat and enrichment tasks to support species on the reserve.

• Keep an eye out for anything unusual or any welfare concerns and report them to the team.

General Volunteer Bits

• Work closely with a friendly, supportive team.

• Follow safety and welfare protocols (we’ll train you!).

• Join in on training or development sessions when available.

We’re Looking For Someone Who:

• Loves wildlife and has a genuine interest in conservation.

• Enjoys talking to people and sharing knowledge.

• Is reliable, positive and up for getting involved.

• Doesn’t mind working outdoors in all kinds of weather.

• Can work well independently and as part of a small team.

• Bonus if you’ve got experience in animal care, education or hospitality – but enthusiasm counts more than anything.

What You’ll Get Out of It

• Experience in wildlife interpretation and reserve operations.

• The chance to work closely with unique species and gain insight into real conservation work.

• Opportunities to learn from experienced staff and grow your skills.

• Being part of a team making a tangible difference to wildlife.

Apply for this job:

To apply please email a CV and Cover Letter detailling any relevant experience as well as your avaliabillity to Charley Ross  education@watatunga.co.uk by Febuary 16th.

Wildlife Manager

Lyndhurst

Job details

Location

Lyndhurst, South East England, SO43 7NH

Salary

£37,537 - £39,661

Hours of work

Flexible working, Full-time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

February 2, 2026

About the job

What you’ll do

You will share leadership of the District’s wildlife team, working alongside another Wildlife Manager to provide high-quality wildlife management operations in line with industry best practice and Forestry England policy. You will collaborate with Beats and other District functions to contribute to the wider Forest District operations.

Through inclusive leadership and teamwork, you will support the high performance of the District’s wildlife team, with a strong focus on nature conservation and delivering increasing cull targets. You will champion a positive health and safety culture, and ensure the proper management of firearms and production of venison.

Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.

Where you’ll work

You will share leadership of the District’s wildlife team, working alongside another Wildlife Manager to provide high-quality wildlife management operations in line with industry best practice and Forestry England policy. You will collaborate with Beats and other District functions to contribute to the wider Forest District operations.

Through inclusive leadership and teamwork, you will support the high performance of the District’s wildlife team, with a strong focus on nature conservation and delivering increasing cull targets. You will champion a positive health and safety culture, and ensure the proper management of firearms and production of venison.

Please see the job description below for more information and details about what we need from you.

Job description

• Responsible for the protection of crop and habitat from wildlife damage. Lead and inspire the New Forest Keeper team to deliver effective deer management operations, maintenance and operation of deer larders (and the presentation of carcasses for sale), in collaboration with Beat Foresters, District Foresters and specialist District leads.
• Take responsibility for the delivery of wildlife management projects and programmes of work as required.
• Promote a positive and inclusive culture in the New Forest Keeper and wider District team and actively foster cross-functional collaboration and support. As a Line Manager in the Forest District demonstrate and embed our organisational values and behaviours.
• Ensure compliance with organisational guidance and procedures and communicate the importance of working safely, to manage risk across operations for staff, contractors, and customers. Embed a culture of continuous improvement, promoting learning and development opportunities amongst the team.
• Provide leadership across the New Forest Keeper team, and deputise for the District Forester, as required, to ensure expertise and continuity in wildlife management.
• Develop and deliver the Districts Wildlife Management strategy, including the district deer cull and the management of other mammals to mitigate damage to crop and habitat.
• Design, manage and execute the programme of operations (Wildlife Management Plan) for the District.
• Ensure effective communication of the programme to colleagues in Land Management and across functions.
• Plan, procure, and manage contracts (including Deer Control Licences, volunteers and contractors) to deliver effective wildlife management, and the preparation and sale of carcasses, whilst meeting all relevant guidelines and legislation.
• Efficiently manage resources to enable effective delivery of wildlife management projects, programmes, deer larders, and ‘business as usual’ operations.
• Prepare the annual wildlife management business plan, monitor, reforecast and report on budgets and Key Performance Indicators throughout the year.
• Leadership of the New Forest Keeper team and any associated contractors and volunteers.
• Maintain professional and productive relationships with stakeholders across all wildlife management and project interests and work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider district.
• Engage proactively and respond constructively to existing and prospective customers and present the highest standards of professionalism when representing Forestry England.

And any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.

Person specification

Essential professional and technical experience

• Experience of leading a team, as well as successfully demonstrating a collaborative approach to team working.
• ...

Nature Connection Officer

St Nicholas Park,

Jubilee Road,

Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE3 3XT

Contact details

Paula Turner (HR and Payroll Officer)
Northumberland Wildlife Trust
St Nicholas Park
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3XT

0191 284 6884paula.turner@northwt.org.uk

Championing Nature is a six-year programme designed to create lasting connections between people and nature in urban communities. Funded by The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Emirates, it is being delivered by four Wildlife Trusts across the UK, including Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

At Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Championing Nature launched in June 2025 and focuses on Newcastle and the urban fringe of North Tyneside and Northumberland. It brings together education, family holiday activity and targeted youth engagement.

The Nature Connection Officer leads on the coordination and development of nature-based opportunities for young people aged 16–24. The role supports young people at a key life stage to connect with nature, improve wellbeing, build confidence and skills, and feel part of the environmental movement, while creating clearer pathways into further involvement or careers in the sector.

The programme has been co-designed with local 16-24-year-olds through workshops, surveys and pilot activities delivered in 2025. Young people told us they want fun, hands-on and social activities that support wellbeing and creativity, alongside accessible, youth-led opportunities that reduce barriers to participation and help everyone feel safe and welcome.

Building on this work, the Nature Connection Officer will deliver an engaging programme of events and activities, with scope to continually innovate and adapt based on participant feedback and emerging opportunities. The aim is to ensure the programme remains relevant, inclusive and inspiring.

Through their involvement, young people should strengthen their connection to nature, develop conservation knowledge and gain transferable skills such as communication, leadership and problem-solving. The programme also supports Northumberland Wildlife Trust to strengthen relationships with emerging adults, improve progression routes and embed more inclusive youth practice across the organisation and the wider sector.

How to apply

To apply for the position of Nature Connection Officer, please complete the corresponding application form in full, and return it to the address above.

Please note, CVs and/or covering letters will not be accepted.

If you require further information regarding any aspect of the application process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you for your interest in Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

Head of Animals

Tropical Butterfly House

Closing date for applications is: 28th Feb 2026

Role Purpose

The Head of Animals is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and regulatory compliance of all animal collections at Tropical Butterfly House Limited. This role ensures the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation, biosecurity, staff management, and visitor safety, while maintaining full compliance with zoo licensing requirements and relevant professional standards.

Key Responsibilities, Leadership & Management

• Provide strong, visible leadership to the animal keeping team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Line-manage senior animal staff and animal keepers, including recruitment, performance management, training, and professional development.
• Develop staff rotas, succession planning, and departmental structures to ensure effective coverage and resilience.
• Lead by example in promoting best practice animal husbandry and welfare.

Animal Welfare & Collection Management

• Oversee the care, husbandry, enrichment, nutrition, breeding, and welfare of a diverse animal collection across multiple taxa.
• Ensure animal management practices align with current best practice, ethical standards, and species-specific needs.
• Develop and implement animal management plans, SOPs, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date animal records and reports.

Regulatory Compliance & Inspections

• Act as the primary lead for Zoo Licensing inspections and ensure compliance with the Zoo Licensing Act and associated standards.
• Lead preparation for and engagement with BIAZA and BALAI inspections, audits, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, including animal welfare, health & safety, biosecurity, and transport regulations.
• Liaise with local authorities, inspectors, veterinarians, and external regulatory bodies as required.

ZIMS & Record Keeping

• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of ZIMS and ensure accurate animal record-keeping across the collection.
• Oversee data entry, reporting, and analysis to support compliance, animal management, and collection planning.
• Ensure staff are trained and competent in ZIMS use.

Conservation, Education & Professional Standards

• Support and contribute to conservation, breeding, and sustainability initiatives in line with organisational objectives.
• Promote engagement with professional bodies and ensure alignment with BIAZA standards and recommendations.
• Support education and interpretation initiatives by providing accurate and engaging animal-related information.

Health, Safety & Biosecurity

• Ensure robust health, safety, and biosecurity procedures are in place and adhered to at all times.
• Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, and emergency response planning related to animal operations.
• Work closely with veterinary professionals to manage preventative healthcare, quarantine, and disease control.

Strategic Planning & Budget Management

• Contribute to strategic planning for the animal collection and facilities development.
• Manage departmental budgets, resource allocation, and procurement within agreed limits.
• Advise senior management on collection planning, staffing needs, and capital investment.

Person Specification, Essential Criteria

• Minimum of 10 years’ management experiencewithin a zoological, aquarium, or wildlife setting.
• Proven experience managing animal keeping teams and complex animal collections.
• Up-to-date working knowledge of ZIMSand zoological record-keeping systems.
• Demonstrable experience leading Zoo Licensing,BIAZA, andBALAIinspections.
• Extensive practical and theoretical knowledge across a wide range of taxa.
• Strong understanding of UK and EU animal-related legislation and best practice standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant degree or professional qualification in zoology, animal management, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within a mixed-species or tropical environment.
• Experience contributing to conservation breeding programmes.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about animal welfare and conservation.
• Professional, credible, and confident when dealing with inspectors...

Nature Development Officer

You will be from an environmental, rural land use or natural resources management background within the private, public or charitable sectors.

You will have an organised approach, grounded by strong partnership and project experience. We would expect an understanding of countryside management, nature conservation and farming, and that you are comfortable with managing information and simple GIS.

You will be a great communicator, with a personable style, who can work with many different people across the wonderful variety of geography, business development and activities of the Wildlife Trust and its partner organisations. 
You enjoy meeting people and being part of a team. This is a new role that will evolve following your appointment so you should be excited by the flexibility and opportunities to take an innovative approach.  
We will welcome applications for part-time working or to be on secondment from a permanent post.

We would consider proposals for secondment for shorter periods than the full 18 months of the project.

The salary we offer successful candidates will depend on your experience. Secondees would remain employed by their existing employer, salary and terms and conditions.

We are working with a consortium of other third sector and public bodies to lift the ambition for nature in the region. We aim to broaden the alliance of sectors involved and close an annual funding gap of tens of millions of pounds.

The consortium includes the RSPB, North Wales Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Eryri National Park Authority, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Cyngor Gwynedd, Cyngor Sir Ynys Mon, the Welsh Dee Trust and Natural Resources Wales.

This leading-edge project is made possible by a generous grant from the Moondance Foundation.
We value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgemental and are inclusive. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.  
We take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement . This role may be subject to a DBS check.

How to apply
A full Job Description can be found below. 

Please attach a full CV, together with a cover letter that explains your suitability for the role described in the Job Description, when submitting your details by following the link below.

Interviews and other assessment activities aim to be sometime between 18th and 20th February, but we would be open to negotiating other dates if necessary.

For more information please phone or email Richard Ninnes on 07786131377 / richardninnes@nwwt.org.uk

Animal Keeper - Reserves

Woburn Safari Park

Closing date for applications is: 15th Feb 2026

Woburn Safari Park is home to some of the world’s most magnificent and endangered animals. The park consists of a Foot Safari, Road Safari, Retail and catering outlets and is enjoyed by families looking for a fun day out.  It is also home to The Safari Lodge, a unique events venue.

We are currently recruiting for an Animal Keeper to join the Reserves department, working with a variety of hoof-stock, primates and ratites on a Fixed Term Basis with variable hours until November 2026.

Working as part of a close team you will be responsible for maintaining high standards of animal care and welfare. In addition, you will ensure safety standards are adhered to, including the associated risk assessments and protocols, whilst ensuring the best possible visitor experience is delivered.

You will have previous experience of working with hoof-stock, primates and ratites in a zoo, safari park or within a similar environment. Undertaking a Zoo Animal Management qualification or equivalent is desirable but not essential.

Driving is a fundamental requirement of the role, therefore a full current driving licence is essential.

The successful applicant should demonstrate a passion for animal welfare and conservation, be highly motivated, flexible and committed to Woburn Safari Park’s high standards of husbandry and welfare.

Applicants will need to be flexible as regular weekend working is required to meet the needs of the business.

RSRN Red Squirrel Ranger

Knowsley Safari

Closing date for applications is: 25th Jan 2026

This role, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is designed to connect the local community to our natural heritage as part of a wider conservation project aiming to see Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) return to the Knowsley Estate and the surrounding areas. The post holder will contribute to the implementation of a targeted grey squirrel control programme to clear the current grey squirrel population on the Knowsley Estate and prevent incursion from the surrounding areas.

Contract: Fixed Term until December 2029

Hours: 1170 hours per annum (based on an average of 22.5 hours per week)

For more information about Knowsley Safari and this role, please visit the Knowsley Safari website to download the recruitment pack.

Apply for this job:

Please send your completed application form along with your CV to recruitment@knowsley.com by the closing date of midnight Sunday 25 January 2026.

Animal Experience Presenter

Crocodiles of the World

Closing date for applications is: 6th Feb 2026

Join the UK's Only Crocodile Zoo!

As we continue to grow, Crocodiles of the World is excited to introduce a new role within our award-winning team. We are looking for a proactive and organised Animal Experience Presenter to deliver memorable visitor experiences in a varied, hands-on role within a truly unique environment.
If you are practical, motivated, and passionate about working with animals and people, this could be the ideal opportunity for you.

About Us

Crocodiles of the World is home to the largest collection of crocodiles and alligators in the UK, and one of the most significant in the world. Our mission is centred on education, conservation, and inspiring visitors through safe, up-close encounters with these incredible reptiles. Alongside crocodiles, our reptile house features Galapagos tortoises, emerald tree boas, and Komodo dragon, creating a truly one-of-a-kind working environment.

About the Role

The Animal Experience Presenter is responsible for delivering engaging and educational animal experiences for visitors while supporting high standards of animal welfare and safety. The role combines public-facing presentations with practical animal husbandry duties, working closely with the animal team to ensure positive visitor experiences and the wellbeing of the animals in their care.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Presentations & Visitor Experience

• Deliver engaging, informative animal talks, demonstrations, and experience sessions to visitors of all ages.
• Communicate key conservation messages clearly and confidently.
• Ensure all animal experiences are conducted safely, professionally, and in line with welfare and licensing requirements.
• Answer visitor questions and provide excellent customer service at all times.
• Represent Crocodiles of the World in a positive and professional manner.

Animal Husbandry

• Assist with daily animal husbandry tasks, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and preparing diets.
• Support routine health checks and observe animal behaviour, reporting any concerns to senior staff.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and biosecurity.
• Assist with enclosure maintenance and enrichment activities.
• Follow all animal handling protocols and risk assessments.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all health and safety procedures, including working with potentially dangerous animals.
• Ensure compliance with zoo licensing, animal welfare legislation, and internal policies.
• Participate in training and ongoing professional development.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Confident public speaker with strong communication skills.
• Genuine passion for animals, conservation, and education.
• Willingness to carry out animal husbandry and physically demanding tasks.
• Ability to work safely, calmly, and responsibly around animals.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including weekends, bank holidays, and school holidays.

Desirable:

• Experience working with animals in a zoo, wildlife park, farm park, or similar setting.
• Experience delivering talks, presentations, or visitor engagement activities.
• Relevant qualification in animal management, zoology, biology, or a related field.
• Knowledge or experience of reptiles or crocodilians.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic, approachable, and professional.
• Reliable and able to work well as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to animal welfare.

Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Apply for this job:

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant skills and experience to:
jobs@crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk

Your CV should include:

• Full name, address, and contact details
• Employment and educational history
• Names and contact details of two referees (one must be your current or most recent employer; references will only be contacted for shortlisted candidates)

Closing Date for Applications: 6th February 2026
Interview Location: In person only at Crocodiles of the World, Oxfordshire – by arrangement