Zoo & Education Manager

Plantasia

Primary Objectives for the role will be:

• To lead, manage, develop and extend the zoo collection and education programme ensuring it stays relevant to the curriculum and increases usage and visitor numbers.

• To lead and manage the staff team to deliver an exciting, innovative, quality visitor attraction service to increase usage and profitability within Plantasia.

• To secure and maintain zoo licence(s), relevant registration and accreditations required for the operation and growth of the centre

• As part of the management team to ensure the highest possible standards of Health & Safety & Customer Care

• As part of the management team to influence the overall development of the centre with particular focus on the animal collection, and the education programme

  
  

The education and zoo manager will focus day to day on the following tasks:

• To manage the staff and rotas for the Zoo & Education Officers, as well as students placements and volunteers.

• To ensure the health and safety of the animal collection, and ensure animal care and husbandry is compliant with the Zoo Licence Act.

• To lead the development of educational programmes, both structured and passive.

• To be responsible for the smooth operation of the mechanical plant, equipment checks, upkeep and monitoring of environmental systems related to the animal and plant collection.

• To ensure that appropriate veterinary care and support for the animals is commissioned and managed

• To manage and deliver the education service for schools / further education and all user groups

• To undertake care of the animals taking responsibility for feeding, cleaning and record keeping as necessary

• To directly deliver workshops and educational groups talks as workloads demand

• To ensure there is a programme of Conservation works scheduled, that is relevant for the venue.

• In liaison with the Visitor Attraction Manager contribute to the marketing, PR and communication strategy for Plantasia Tropical Zoo

• To develop partnerships to foster innovation, support professional development with the intention of improving the quality of the offer and increase visitor numbers

• To be aware of all Health & Safety issues within Plantasia, to constantly implement and assess procedures, drawing attention to any useful practices.

• To undertake any other duties as may be required to assist in the running of Plantasia Tropical Zoo

• To undertake Duty Manager responsibilities for the venue, ensuring all departments are managed effectively.

  
  

THE CANDIDATE

Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills

• The post holder will hold an animal husbandry, zoological or education qualification.

• The post holder will demonstrate skills gained, over a minimum of two years, in managing zoo collections, or be an experienced individual who is ready to take on more responsibility.

• Demonstrate skills gained as a duty manager or shift manager in a visitor attraction, leisure or educational environment.

• The ability to work as part of a team and to manage and oversee others.

• A high degree of flexibility

• The ability to solve work problems logically and make decisions appropriate to a management position

• The ability to respond positively to change and to deal effectively with work pressures as they arise

  
  

Personal

• Confident, outgoing personality and the ability to communicate education professional, partner organisation, Swansea Council officers and members and visitors

• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to all levels of staff and all kinds of customers and partners

• Good communication skills – both verbal and written