Director of zoological operations - Kent

Contract: Full time, permanent, ongoingLocation: Wildwood KentReports to: Director GeneralResponsible for: 8 direct reportsGrade: Grade 1

Job Purpose
As the Director of Zoological Operations you lead the management of Wildwood’s zoological operations across the organisation’s two parks. You are responsible for ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and care as well as ensuring compliance with all relevant licences and legislation. You develop and manage the Trust’s species plan in line with the mission and strategy of the Trust. Your line management responsibilities are broad, including the animal teams, the Kent ranger team and Kent Education Manager. Working with the conservation team you support Wildwood’s rewilding, conservation and translocation projects.

Key Responsibilities
• As a member of the director team, oversee the management and strategic leadership of the Trust, delivering our mission and setting the culture of openness, collaboration and respect.
• Work with the External Relations Team to focus on income generation across the organisation, acting as a spokesperson and ambassador for the Trust with stakeholders, partners and the press.
• Overall responsibility for zoo licencing and other zoo-related regulatory compliance across the Trust, building positive relationships with inspectors, and ensuring that the Trust responds in a timely manner to any changes in Zoo Licencing and regulations. Also ensure compliance with BIAZA accreditation and act as the main point of contact for BIAZA.
• Ensure that Wildwood maintains the highest standards of animal welfare and veterinary care, managing the relationships and contracts with external veterinary providers and at all times ensuring that veterinary provision is fit for purpose. You also chair the ethical review committee and respond to ethical concerns as necessary.
• Developing annual operational and capital plans for enclosures/park facilities. Setting and managing budgets and implementing cost controls.
• Overall responsibility for Wildwood’s animal emergency procedures, working with colleagues to ensure these are reviewed, reflect current legislation and best practice, and that regular drills take place. You will also oversee the licencing of firearms, firearms trainings and the relationship with the police and other external agencies.
• To manage and lead the animal team across the Trust.
• To manage and lead the ranger team in Kent and support the team in Devon, including oversight of the design and construction of all animal enclosures.
• Work with the Director General to engage with policymakers, regulators and legislators to help shape and meet Wildwood’s strategic goals.
• Fulfil the duties and accountabilities of a Director, including determining the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring legislative compliance, and upholding the organisation’s integrity and values at all times. Report to and attend meetings with the Director General, Trustees and sub committees of Trustees as required.

The Working Week
Your working week will be varied and busy, with no two days the same. You will be balancing competing priorities including zoo compliance, health and safety, cost controls, welfare audits, animal moves, veterinary visits, pest control, the leadership and management of your teams and liaising with your fellow directors. There are regular meetings that you will attend and/or chair, as well as liaising with external organisations and being active within zoological circles. You will oversee the ranger team, ensuring projects and maintenance work is proceeding on time and in budget. You will also line manage the Education Manager in Kent, as well as the Operations Coordinator and the Registrar.
Core working hours are 09:00 until 17:00 with an unpaid half an hour for lunch. This post is 37.5 hours per week over 5 days. The job will involve overtime, including some evening, weekend and bank holiday working as part of your normal duties, including the occasional responsibility of Duty Manager at the weekend. You will be required to travel between parks and to offsite projects and meetings as the role requires.

This job involves undertaking duties which include the following health, safety and wellbeing considerations:
• Regular use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
• Lone working
• Conflict resolution
• Pressure to meet key deadlines such as might be integral to high profile projects
• Working with Category One animals
• Use of company vehicle
• Use of firearms

Mandatory Training for this role includes:
• Manual Handling
• Equality & Diversity
• Safeguarding Awareness
• GDPR / Data Protection Awareness
• Fire Safety Awareness
• Ladder Safety
• First Aid
• Fire Warden & Extinguishers
• Press & Media Training
• Customer Service
• Animal Escape

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience
All Wildwood staff are passionate, committed, and resourceful. To succeed in this specific role, you will have excellent leadership skills, creativity, and be a great team player.

Essential:
• Substantial experience and knowledge of managing zoo operations, including but not limited to collection planning, enclosure design and all aspects of zoo licencing requirements.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with a proven track record in leading, managing and motiving keeper teams and championing interdepartmental cooperation.
• A deep respect for how the animal collection forms an integral part of the conservation and rewilding work of the Trust and experience of conservation breeding and translocation projects.
• Professional and confident, able to carry out tasks independently and be able to effectively delegate.
• An ability to manage high-pressure scenarios, changing situations and complex overlapping priorities.
• Confidence in dealing with media and giving press interviews.
• Experience of setting and managing budgets with proven project management skills.
• Experience in the use of firearms in a zoo setting.
• Excellent partnership building skills, forging positive alliances and working relationships with current and future collaborators.
• Demonstrate a genuine love of British wildlife and belief in Wildwood’s Mission; to protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife.

Desirable:
• Experience of managing a firearms response team and firearms licensing.
• Degree/postgraduate qualification in a related subject.

Why work for Wildwood
Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. We work with nature to fight the biodiversity crisis, to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats in which nature thrives. We focus on nature-based solutions to return native species and recreating truly wild spaces.
Wildwood has a proud culture of respecting and valuing all colleagues. Our people are integral to our success; their expertise enables us to achieve our ambitions, their professionalism creates strong collaborations, and their integrity upholds our organisational values.

Employment Package
• Annual salary depending on experience
• Annual leave allowance of 30 days a year, including statutory holidays
• Workplace pension
• Inclusive and family-friendly working policies
• Training & development opportunities
• Selection of staff benefits including free parking and discounts
• Free or reduced price entry to BIAZA accredited zoos and aquariums

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You may be subject to a DBS check, depending on the role description.

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Visitor Services Assistant

Job Description: Visitor Services Assistant

Contract: Part time, variable hoursLocation: Wildwood Kent and Wildwood DevonReports to: Corporate and Commercial Development ManagerResponsible for: This role has no direct reports or line management responsibilityGrade: Grade 6

Job Purpose

This role is an integral part of the visitor-facing team, responsible for maintaining exceptional standards of customer service at all times. From the moment our visitors enter the park, to their lasting impression as they leave, our Visitor Service Assistants are involved at all the key points of the customer journey, including shop, café, play park, toilets, car park, and the wider park environment.

Key Responsibilities

Managing visitor flow, greeting and welcoming visitors warmly to the park and directing traffic during peak times. Providing professional and efficient customer service on the phone, in writing, and in person, handling queries and referring any issues to the appropriate manager. Upselling products such as memberships schemes, gift aid, trails, experiences, and café specials. Handling deliveries and managing stock, ensuring areas are well stocked, labelled, and presentable at all times. Processing customer orders at till points, handling payments with accuracy. Serving food to customers in a timely manner. Overseeing the safe use of the drop slide. Ensuring customer facing areas of the park are clean and maintained, including litter picking, emptying bins, sweeping and mopping floors, clearing tables, washing up, and ensuring toilets are presentable, reporting any issues to the appropriate manager. Involvement in park events and seasonal activities, helping to ensure these run smoothly and carrying out any reasonable requests from the management team.

The Working Week

Your working week will be varied and busy, with no two days the same. During peak season you will likely start the day directing traffic in the car park, then move into the shop to welcome our visitors and sign them up for membership. At lunch time you might be needed in the café, serving customers and clearing tables as necessary. There is also scope here to progress into the kitchen and barista sections. The afternoon could be the time for checking the park is clean and tidy, or during quieter periods you could be restocking shelves or assisting with the stock count. At all times you will be interacting positively with visitors, encouraging them to learn about the animals, flora and fauna around the park and informing them of any events or talks happening that day. This role is a variable hour position designed to support the park’s seasonal fluctuations. Core working hours can be anywhere between 08:00 and 22:00, with an unpaid 30-minute break for shifts exceeding six hours (age-dependant). This post is paid at National Living Wage. The job will include evening, weekend and bank holiday working as part of your normal duties.

This job involves undertaking duties which include the following health, safety and wellbeing considerations: Regular use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE). Lone working (age-dependant).

Mandatory Training for this role includes:

Manual Handling.

Equality & Diversity.

Safeguarding Awareness.

GDPR / Data Protection Awareness.

Fire Safety Awareness.

Ladder Safety.

First Aid.

Customer Service.

Food Allergen Awareness.

Food Hygiene.

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

All Wildwood staff are passionate, committed, and resourceful. To succeed in this specific role, you will be proactive, personable, and a great team player.

Essential

Confidence to carry out tasks independently. Ability to work productively and successfully within a team.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

A passion for customer service, ensuring visitors have the best possible experience at every step of their visit.

Ability to interact with the public, answering questions, giving information, and directing issues to the appropriate manager.

Capable of maintaining a calm persona in a high-pressure environment and during peak times.

Positive ‘can do’ attitude with a willingness to help whenever needed.

Attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

Demonstrate a genuine love of British wildlife and belief in Wildwood’s

Mission; to protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife.

Desirable

Working knowledge of relevant POS software and retail equipment. Previous experience in a similar customer-facing role would be beneficial. Experience of resolving customer issues on the phone, in person, and in writing.

Why work for Wildwood

Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. We work with nature to fight the biodiversity crisis, to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats in which nature thrives. We focus on nature-based solutions to return native species and recreating truly wild spaces. Wildwood has a proud culture of respecting and valuing all colleagues. Our people are integral to our success; their expertise enables us to achieve our ambitions, their professionalism creates strong collaborations, and their integrity upholds our organisational values.

Employment Package

National Living Wage. Accumulative annual leave allowance based on hours worked, including statutory holidays. Inclusive and family-friendly working policies. Training & development opportunities. Selection of staff benefits including discounts. Free or reduced price entry to BIAZA accredited zoos and aquariums.

To apply for a position at Wildwood KENT, Wealden Forest Park, Herne Common, CT6 7LQ:

To apply for a position at Wildwood DEVON, Escot Estate, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1LU:

Catering Supervisor - Devon

Catering Supervisor - Job Description

Contract: Full time, permanentLocation: Wildwood Devon, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1LUReports to: Catering ManagerResponsible for: This role has no direct reportsGrade: 4

Job Purpose

This role will support the everyday smooth running our Devon café, catering for organisational events, and ensuring an excellent visitor experience.

Key Responsibilities

Maintain the organisation’s high food safety standards to ensure a 5-star food hygiene rating, with meticulous hygiene practices and accurate record keeping.
Prepare and cook an exciting seasonal menu in keeping with the organisation’s values.
Guide and motivate the team to deliver excellent customer service, supporting with training where appropriate.
Support with managing waste & stock levels, banking, rotas, ordering, and monthly stock counts.
Cater an exciting, varied, and profitable menu for organisational events.
Work closely with the Catering Manager and the wider team to ensure the success of organisational events.

The Working Week

Your working week will be varied and busy, with peak season working during the school holidays. You will be responsible for supporting the Catering Manager with all Devon café operations. You will work collaboratively with the Retail, Education, Volunteer, Keeper and Marketing teams to provide a consistently excellent visitor experience.
This role is unique in hospitality in that there is limited evening working, and only one weekend day per week is usually required (excepting annual leave cover). Core working hours are between 08:00 and 17:00 with an unpaid half an hour for lunch. This post is 37.5 hours per week over 5 days, Monday to Sunday. The job will involve overtime, including some evenings and bank holiday working as part of your normal duties. You may be required to occasionally travel between parks.

This job involves undertaking duties which include the following health, safety and wellbeing considerations:
Regular use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
Use of machinery / tools
Lone working

Mandatory Training for this role includes:

Manual Handling
Equality & Diversity
Safeguarding Awareness
GDPR / Data Protection Awareness
Fire Safety Awareness
Ladder Safety
First Aid
Fire Warden & Extinguishers
Food Allergen Awareness
Food Hygiene Level 2

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

All Wildwood staff are passionate, committed, and resourceful. To succeed in this specific role, you will be self-motivated, hardworking, and a great team player.

Essential

A confident cook with a passion for serving great quality food & taking pride in its presentation.
A comprehensive understanding of food safety.
A positive leader, able to support, direct, and train up a seasonally fluctuating team.
Previous experience working in a fast paced kitchen.
Food Hygiene Certification Level 2 or above.
Demonstrate a genuine love of British wildlife and belief in Wildwood’s Mission; to protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife.

Desirable

Previous experience providing a variety of styles of catering.
Previous experience of supporting events.
A basic understanding of costings, wastage, stock levels and profit.

Why work for Wildwood

Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. We work with nature to fight the biodiversity crisis, to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats in which nature thrives. We focus on nature-based solutions to return native species and recreating truly wild spaces.
Wildwood has a proud culture of respecting and valuing all colleagues. Our people are integral to our success; their expertise enables us to achieve our ambitions, their professionalism creates strong collaborations, and their integrity upholds our organisational values.

Employment Package

Annual salary of £24,232.00
Annual leave allowance of 30 days a year, including statutory holidays
Workplace pension (auto enrolled after three months)
Inclusive and family-friendly working policies
Training & development opportunities
Selection of staff benefits including discounts
Free or reduced price entry to BIAZA accredited zoos and aquariums

Park Caretaker - Devon

Park Caretaker - Job Description

Contract: Full time, permanentLocation: Wildwood Devon, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1LUReports to: Director of Park OperationsResponsible for: This role has no direct reportsGrade: 6

Job Purpose

This role plays an important part in the smooth running of the park, ensuring it is presentable, safe, and welcoming for visitors, staff, and the animals in our care. Working within the maintenance and development team, you will carry out a variety of practical caretaker duties such as gardening, general maintenance, security and manual labour. There will also be the opportunity to learn new skills and get involved in bigger projects as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

Grounds work, including gardening, grass cutting, maze hedging and keeping paths safe and clear at all times.
Maintaining and repairing animal enclosures, visitor and staff spaces, and unique features such as the yurts and Saxon village.
Practical hands-on tasks, general repairs and manual labour as required.
Keeping both public and staff areas clean and welcoming.
Helping with park security, including opening and closing the park each day.
Managing your workload confidently, prioritising and responding to urgent issues as needed.
Using tools, machinery and vehicles safely and responsibly at all times, adhering to safe ways of working with minimal supervision.
Occasionally support other departments with a variety of customer-facing situations.
Work closely with colleagues across all departments of the organisation to deliver on our strategic vision and mission.

The Working Week

Your working week will be varied and busy, with no two days the same. One day you might be cutting the grass and fixing fences, the next you could be helping to maintain our visitor facilities or assisting with an exciting new project. You’ll be using a variety of tools and equipment, so it’s important to have a good awareness of safe working practices. A positive, can-do attitude is essential, and there’s plenty of scope to learn, grow, and even take on specialist responsibilities (for example, joining our firearms team, if that interests you).
Core working hours are Monday to Friday 09:00 until 17:00 with an unpaid half an hour for lunch. This post is 37.5 hours per week over 5 days. The job will involve overtime, including some evening, weekend and bank holiday working as part of your normal duties. You may be required to occasionally travel between parks.

This job involves undertaking duties which include the following health, safety and wellbeing considerations:
Use of machinery / tools
Hand Arm Vibration
Repetitive limb movements
Lone working
Use of company vehicle

Mandatory Training for this role includes:

Manual Handling
Equality & Diversity
Safeguarding Awareness
GDPR / Data Protection Awareness
Fire Safety Awareness
Ladder Safety
First Aid
Fire Warden & Extinguishers

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

All Wildwood staff are passionate, committed, and resourceful. To succeed in this specific role, you will be hardworking, a great team mate, and someone who takes pride in their work.

Essential

A good understanding of basic Health & Safety matters relating to the role.
Gardening experience, including the safe use of strimmers and lawn mowers.
Confidence to carry out tasks independently, whilst also having the ability to work productively and successfully with a team.
Hands-on experience with repairs, construction tasks, and power tools.
Good time management skills, able to prioritise and think on your feet.
Ability to think on your feet, exercising your own initiative to tackle problems as they arise.
A friendly, approachable manner, especially when helping other teams in customer-facing situation.
Demonstrate a genuine love of British wildlife and belief in Wildwood’s Mission; to protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife.

Desirable

Experience within the construction industry, demonstrating competence in a range of construction disciplines.
Experience in small to medium sized plant operation, power tools and chainsaws.
Specific experience within the family attractions, zoos and/or agricultural/animal management sectors would be highly valued, though not essential.

Why work for Wildwood

Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. We work with nature to fight the biodiversity crisis, to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats in which nature thrives. We focus on nature-based solutions to return native species and recreating truly wild spaces. Wildwood has a proud culture of respecting and valuing all colleagues. Our people are integral to our success; their expertise enables us to achieve our ambitions, their professionalism creates strong collaborations, and their integrity upholds our organisational values.

Employment Package

Annual salary of £24,155.00
Annual leave allowance of 30 days a year, including statutory holidays
Workplace pension (auto enrolled after three months)
Inclusive and family-friendly working policies
Training & development opportunities
Selection of staff benefits including discounts
Free or reduced price entry to BIAZA accredited zoos and aquariums