Job opportunities

Section Manager - Primates

https://careers.zsl.org/vacancies/162/section-manager-of-primates.htmlPURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The exciting opportunity of 12-month maternity cover for a Section Manager of Primates has arisen at Whipsnade Zoo, within an exciting time of new developments having just opened a new 15,000m2 exhibit for Sulawesi Macaques and Francois Langurs. This role will enable ZSL to achieve its vision, purpose, and priorities by leading the animal section and ensuring the animal are cared for at the highest standards. They will directly manage the Team Leader/s and Section Leads. They will support the Zoological Teams in ensuring the compliant operational function of the Animal Department at London Zoo, in line with associated legislation. 

Key responsibilities:  

• Management of the associated taxonomic groups housed at the zoo, including, the delivery of their breeding plans, animal moves, exhibits, commercial and engagement activities.
• Responsible for managing all aspects of care, behavioural management, husbandry, and welfare of the animals within their section. Setting the standards and protocols for husbandry, welfare and safe working practises
• Maintain the highest standards of animal care and animal management, reporting, and advising on the health and welfare of the animals within the respective section
• Manage the people resource, proactively planning the future workforce requirements and ensure staff have regular PDR's and training.
• Ensure the health and safety of visitors, volunteers and welfare of animals in enhanced animal contact situations, including walkthrough exhibits and animal encounters by setting standards and protocols

ABOUT YOU

• Extensive experience of working with a variety of species within a Zoo environment
• Experience of creating and developing new projects, including enclosures and exhibits, which are delivered to a high standard for both animals and visitors
• Experience in people management in an operational setting, with an emphasis on mentorship, development, recruitment planning, day-to-day management, performance management and staff scheduling 

• Advanced understanding of animal behaviour management

• Professional knowledge of the taxa in the care of the Section including life history, wild biology, best practice management and current conservation threats and recovery status
• An understanding of the importance of population management and how that affects their specific taxa, including the value of genetic diversity.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.  

ABOUT US

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.  

What do we offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct 
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you  
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays  
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day 
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops  
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle  
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages 

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.