We are seeking an enthusiastic, and practical Conservation Breeding Officer (CBO) to join the Conservation Breeding Unit (CBU) at WWT Slimbridge. The CBO will focus on delivering care to birds in our conservation breeding project for the Black-tailed Godwit (BTG), a project aiming to bolster the UK wild breeding population of BTG through reinforcement and reintroduction. This CBO will also provide support to the developing Welsh and Severn Estuary White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Project and assist with the development of new conservation breeding projects for UK wetland species, including non‑avian taxa.
Based at WWT Slimbridge, the successful candidate will deliver high standards of biosecure animal and plant husbandry and associated record-keeping, and be hands-on in the creation, maintenance and management of conservation breeding infrastructure (such as aviaries, buildings and exclusion barriers), and small equipment (such as mowers and brush cutters, pond pumps and pond filters and hand-tools), working with external contractors where required. The role also includes managing vegetation (grass swards and small trees) within CBU’s biosecure areas.
Occasional travel to other WWT sites or UK field locations may be required.
About the job:
Working within a professional conservation breeding environment at WWT Slimbridge, you will deliver high‑quality animal and plant husbandry in line with established standards. Your role will include:
- Delivering exemplary daily husbandry for wetland species within conservation breeding projects, ensuring optimal welfare, health, breeding performance and environmental conditions.
- Preparing, operating and maintaining appropriate life-support and propagation facilities/environments including indoor and outdoor housing and managed habitats to meet species‑specific biological and/or behavioural needs.
- Monitoring health, behaviour and breeding activity, and maintaining accurate auditable husbandry and environmental records using both paper and digital systems.
- Implementing rigorous biosecurity and hygiene protocols consistent with our professional conservation breeding practices to protect animals, plants and staff.
- Supporting the design and delivery of new conservation breeding programmes, including those involving non‑avian taxa, with appropriate consideration of species ecology, life‑support systems and habitat requirements.
The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, positive, and practical, with strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of an ambitious and committed team.
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
- Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
- Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
- 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
- Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
- Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
- Cycle to work scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
- Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410