Living Collection Manager
| Posting date: | 01 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £35,437.00 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 27 April 2026 |
| Location: | Ormskirk, Lancashire |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
About The Role
A rare and unique opportunity has arisen at Martin Mere Wetland Centre to lead the development and expansion of the zoological collection. We are planning considerable investment to redevelop our collection with new wetland taxa. As a result, we are looking for a creative, experienced and dynamic leader who can deliver change with new, engaging wetland animal exhibits, as Martin Mere enters an exciting new phase of redevelopment.
The successful candidate will ensure that the Living Collections team performs at the highest level, be instrumental in improving animal husbandry, present the grounds to the highest standards, build strong working relationships with other departments, and influence and initiate new exhibits containing wetland taxa.
Other duties will include representing the zoological department internally and externally, and participate as an important member of the Martin Mere management team.
This is a permanent, full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week including some weekends and bank holidays.
On top of the salary package, optional, rent-free, accommodation may be available in exchange for providing a small amount of out-of-hours emergency cover. The large cottage available is located next to the mere, with stunning views over the nature reserve.
We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications from candidates who meet the required skills and experience. We therefore encourage early applications.
About You
The successful candidate will:
Be educated to A level standard, or equivalent, with an Animal Management qualification. A relevant degree being desirable
Have extensive animal husbandry experience in a zoological institution, demonstrating a broad knowledge of taxa.
Have knowledge of UK zoo legislation and animal welfare
Have experience of leading a team with excellent planning and organisation skills
Have excellent communication skills across all levels
Have a clear understanding of health and safety working in a zoological collection
Experience of the design and development of exhibits and horticultural management are desirable.
If this sounds like you then click apply to be join of our dedicated team.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you’ll love working at WWT
Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
Cycle to work scheme
Contributory pension scheme
Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from Care first
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
A rare and unique opportunity has arisen at Martin Mere Wetland Centre to lead the development and expansion of the zoological collection. We are planning considerable investment to redevelop our collection with new wetland taxa. As a result, we are looking for a creative, experienced and dynamic leader who can deliver change with new, engaging wetland animal exhibits, as Martin Mere enters an exciting new phase of redevelopment.
The successful candidate will ensure that the Living Collections team performs at the highest level, be instrumental in improving animal husbandry, present the grounds to the highest standards, build strong working relationships with other departments, and influence and initiate new exhibits containing wetland taxa.
Other duties will include representing the zoological department internally and externally, and participate as an important member of the Martin Mere management team.
This is a permanent, full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week including some weekends and bank holidays.
On top of the salary package, optional, rent-free, accommodation may be available in exchange for providing a small amount of out-of-hours emergency cover. The large cottage available is located next to the mere, with stunning views over the nature reserve.
We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications from candidates who meet the required skills and experience. We therefore encourage early applications.
About You
The successful candidate will:
Be educated to A level standard, or equivalent, with an Animal Management qualification. A relevant degree being desirable
Have extensive animal husbandry experience in a zoological institution, demonstrating a broad knowledge of taxa.
Have knowledge of UK zoo legislation and animal welfare
Have experience of leading a team with excellent planning and organisation skills
Have excellent communication skills across all levels
Have a clear understanding of health and safety working in a zoological collection
Experience of the design and development of exhibits and horticultural management are desirable.
If this sounds like you then click apply to be join of our dedicated team.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you’ll love working at WWT
Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
Cycle to work scheme
Contributory pension scheme
Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from Care first
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.