Job opportunities

Zoo Manager

Manor Wildlife Park is located in Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales. Pembrokeshire is one of the UK’s most stunning natural regions. From the famous Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with 186 miles of rugged cliffs, sandy bays and wildlife-rich habitats. To world famous beaches like Barafundle, Whitesands and Freshwater West, boasting golden sands and clear water. Skomer, Skokholm and Ramsey are internationally important sites for puffins, guillemots and Manx shearwater.

Set in over 50 acres, Manor Wildlife Park is home to over 40 species, some of our highlights include a breeding pair of Sumatran tigers, currently rearing four cubs, our bachelor herd of southern white rhinoceros, scimitar-horned oryx, white-faced saki monkeys, a semi-free range family of black howler monkeys and the recently arrived group of moor bears. We are members of BIAZA and EAZA and participate in conservation breeding programmes.

The Role – Zoo Manager

The Zoo Manager will be responsible for leading the animal care team and ensuring the smooth and professional management of the park’s animal collection.

Key Responsibilities - Animal Care & Species Management: Oversee the welfare, husbandry, safety and enrichment of a diverse range of species, ensuring best practice in all aspects of animal and population management. Work with the EEP conservation breeding programmes, following recommendations to ensure healthy populations of threatened species.

 

- Working collaboratively with the Head Keeper – to deliver all aspects of animal care and management to the highest of standards.

- Staff Leadership: Manage, motivate, train and support a team of animal keepers, overseeing rotas, staff development, and performance. Foster a positive team culture built on collaboration and accountability.

- Zoo Licensing & membership organisations: Manage the park on a daily basis to ensure compliance at all times with zoo licensing standards under the Zoo Licensing Act. Lead on record keeping, documentation, and follow-up actions. Where applicable ensure the park meets the requirements for membership of zoo organisations such as BIAZA and EAZA.

 

 

- Health & Safety: Review, maintain and monitor high standards of health, safety, and biosecurity for staff, visitors, and animals. Lead and manage the zoo firearms team and emergency protocols.

- Education & Visitor Engagement: Work with the team to ensure the delivery of engaging visitor experiences, talks, and educational initiatives that promote conservation and inspire public interest in wildlife.

- Strategic Development: Work alongside the Park Director to plan and deliver long-term improvements to animal facilities, conservation work, and visitor experiences.

About You -

We are looking for an individual who can bring knowledge, leadership, and enthusiasm to the role. Essential Experience & Skills:

- Proven leadership in a zoo, safari park, or wildlife park environment

- Strong knowledge of animal husbandry and welfare standards across a range of species

- Demonstrated experience of managing populations of animals in ex-situ environments

- Demonstrated experience in all aspects of staff management

- Familiarity with zoo licensing, inspections, and compliance processes

- Experience overseeing and developing emergency procedures in a zoo environment and an understanding of zoo firearms legislation and implementation

- Excellent organisational and communication skills

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills

- Comfortable representing MWP to external stakeholders, including (but not limited to), BIAZA, EAZA, local authority, media audiences

- A proactive and hands-on, positive team leadership style

- Effective time management and IT skills

Desirable:

- Leadership in a BIAZA or EAZA member collection preffered

- Experience with small team dynamics

- Experience in conservation projects and education initiatives

- Knowledge of species planning and zoo habitat development

- Experience of population management i.e EEP coordinator or ESB Keeper, member of species committees, BIAZA working groups, etc

What We Offer

- A chance to lead and inspire a passionate, dedicated animal care team - Competitive salary (based on experience) - Optional on-site accommodation for 3 months, nomimal rent £50 per month (for the right applicant) - The opportunity to live and work in beautiful Pembrokeshire, near world-class beaches, countryside, and cultural attractions - A chance to directly influence the growth and development of a unique wildlife park

-The opportunity to be part of conserving threatened species through collaboration with conservation breeding programmes and organisations