Job opportunities

Curator of Ectotherms

Curator of Ectotherms

Salary: £33,170

Contracted Hours: 37.5

Location: Bristol Zoo Gardens and Bristol Zoo Project

Contract Type: Permanent

Bristol Zoological Society, the conservation and education charity that runs and operates Bristol Zoo Project (previously Wild Place Project), higher education programmes and conservation projects across the world, is recruiting a Curator of Ectotherms. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Animal team.

If you would like the advert in an alternative format, or would like to talk about how we can adjust the interview process to best support you, please contact 

We are committed to employing from all areas of the community, we value equality and diversity across our workforce and aim to ensure our staff is reflective of the diversity of the community. In support of this commitment, we welcome applications from the Global Majority.

This role is currently primarily based at our Clifton site working with our diverse ectotherms collection comprising reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates, but will also require working at Bristol Zoo Project occasionally, and later being based there on a permanent basis. This role is 37.5 hours a week, working as part of the departmental rota, which includes working alternate weekends and some bank holidays.

Bristol Zoological Society is currently planning our new zoo at our Bristol Zoo Project site. The first animal phase of these plans will be our Central African Forest exhibit, which includes a number of ectotherms including, slender snouted crocodiles and a range of freshwater fish species from the region. Future phases, include a state of the art conservation learning, breeding and medicine centre, where the ectotherms will be transferred. The Curator of Ectotherms will have a key role in helping to design both the crocodile and fish exhibit and the layouts for the ectotherms area of the breeding centre.

The successful applicant will have significant experience working in a zoo environment at a senior keeper level or above. Knowledge of and experience with ectotherms is essential. Additionally, significant people management experience e.g delegating tasks based on strengths and interests, managing colleague expectations, holding to account and developing the team is required. Successful applicants must have either the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals, or a relevant animal/zoology qualification such as BSc or MSc in biological sciences.

Applicants should have excellent management and interpersonal skills with developed communication skills and experience at team leadership at a senior level. A full driving licence is also desirable for cross-site working. This role covers all aspects of modern-day zoo keeping including daily husbandry routines environmental enrichment, research, talks and guest experiences. Familiarity with modern conservation focussed zoo management is desirable and having a strong understanding of the role of zoos in species conservation is important.

With a new strategy in place to create a world-class Bristol Zoo and conservation and sustainability at its heart, the new Bristol Zoo Project will offer spacious, modern facilities, significant growth in our conservation and education work, and an innovative and exciting visitor experience.

The role will help to realise our vision of saving wildlife together, and you will be involved in supporting our transformation programme – driving visitor numbers at Wild Place Project and excitement as plans for the new Zoo progress. We know that everyone here at the Society can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

As a Disability Confident Employer if you identify yourself as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 definition and can demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification, we will guarantee an interview.

Benefits include:

• 30 days of annual leave and bank holidays (Pro-rated, inclusive of bank hols) increasing with length of service
• Access to our company pension scheme
• Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in service benefit (x3 salary)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loans
• Other flexible benefits include gym discounts and access to a health cash plan
• Hybrid working for certain roles, to allow you to work where you work best - We’re happy to discuss flexible working
• Family friendly policies with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption support
• Loyalty award after 5 years and every year subsequently
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential
• Free on-site car park