Job opportunities

Head of Higher Education and Field Conservation

Head of Higher Education and Field Conservation

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 Head of Higher Education and Field Conservation. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Field Conservation and Science 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.

Bristol Zoological Society is undertaking a significant period of transformation including the development of Bristol Zoo Project at our 136-acre site in South Gloucestershire.

Never has such a significant transformation taken place in the Society’s 185-year history and this represents an extraordinary opportunity for the Society to not only establish a world-class zoo for Bristol but also to ensure that through the transformation programme we grow as a conservation charity and that we continue to deliver conservation impact. Through our ambitious Strategy to 2035 we will ensure that the organisation as a whole is fit-for-purpose and best placed to achieve its wider charitable mission and vision for the long-term. 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.

Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Conservation, this role is critical to ensuring that the Society’s conservation strategy, higher education and other external partnerships are achieving strong impact, throughout this period of change and for the future. The role includes leadership and oversight of high-profile international field programmes and multiple projects across the world, working with a range of taxa and habitats as well as partnerships with four higher education bodies and a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Candidates will be leaders with strong experience in the higher education sector and practical field conservation. Experience of working internationally is a must as will be sensitively working with other cultures to achieve solid conservation impact. You must be proactive and able to work with highly motivated multi-disciplinary teams. In addition, you will be a member of our senior leadership team working to deliver our strategy and develop the Bristol Zoo Project, a landmark tourist attraction which draws visitors from all over the region. Familiarity with the wider conservation community and understanding of the role of zoos in conservation is essential.

The ability to demonstrate adaptive management in the rapidly evolving conservation sector, strong understanding of the UK and international higher education and further education sectors and strong team development with multi-cultural diplomacy are important attributes we are seeking. Good financial acumen, strong budget management and being well organised are essential to the role.

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.

Your work-life balance is important to us, and we’re happy to support flexible working – be that through your working pattern, or hybrid working for certain roles. We just need to ensure that you have some time to connect with the rest of your team and are able to deliver the responsibilities of your role.

Benefits include:

• 30 days of annual leave (Pro-rated, inclusive of bank hols) increasing with length of service with an option to buy up to 5 days’ additional holiday
• Access to our company pension scheme
• Enhanced family leave – supporting you with the important milestones in your life with enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• 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 and season ticket loans supporting you to spread the cost of environmentally friendly transport options
• Other flexible benefits including access to a health cash plan to help you with everyday healthcare costs
• Access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of retailers to help make your money go further including gym discounts
• Hybrid working for certain roles, to allow you to work where you work best - we’re happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles
• Option for Lifestyle Break after one years’ service
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential
• Free on-site car park

To assist your preparation if you are invited to an interview, we ask questions based on our behaviour competencies described in the job description and look for evidence of how you demonstrate these behaviours.