Job Description

Closing Date: 17/10/2025


Location/Division: BZG/BZP

UK Conservation Oficer

Salary: 25,182

Contracted Hours: 37.5

Location: Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol Zoo Project and Somerset field location

Contract Type: Fixed term (until 31.12.2027)

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 UK Conservation Officer.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 hr@bzsociety.org.uk


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.

Main Responsibilities include:

Assisting with habitat and species management, along with field surveys both at Bristol Zoo Project and further afield. These surveys will include both priority native species such as great crested newt and white-clawed crayfish and invasive non-native species (INNS), plus data collection and dissemination. Assisting with volunteer community groups including INNS weed pulls and our mink control programme.


Helping to care for our white-clawed crayfish hatchery at Bristol Zoo Gardens including daily husbandry, water quality testing and feeding. Assisting with our crayfish survey and release programme working both in local rivers and further afield. Assisting with our invasive crayfish control programme at a local reservoir.


We are looking for a dynamic individual to join our expanding, dedicated, and collaborative team with entry-level academic knowledge, experience and/or understanding of wildlife conservation. Experience and/or understanding of conservation issues, countryside stewardship, UK habitat classification, Biodiversity Net Gain and survey skills is desirable.


We are particularly interested in early-career applicants with experience in habitat management, invasive non-native species surveys and control and native species surveys. If you have experience in these areas, we would be very interested in hearing from you.



Your role will be crucial in helping us deliver an exciting landscape-scale partnership project within South Gloucestershire. This is a grant funded project helping to manage wetlands, restore priority species, control INNS and provide high-level roost sites for important migratory bird species within the local area close to BZP. We will also be working with local landowners to help restore habitats and reduce flood risk within the catchment.


With a new strategy in place to create a world-class Bristol Zoo and conservation and sustainability at its heart, the new Bristol Zoo Project will offer spacious, modern facilities, significant growth in our conservation and education work, and an innovative and exciting visitor experience.


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. 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 apply for this role please sign into our recruitment portal and upload your CV and cover letter. The closing date for applications is

17th October 2025

. Interviews will be held on

23rd October 2025

.


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.

Please note:

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.


Diversity Statement


Our vision for the Society to be an employer of choice, that is inclusive and attracts and retains the most talented people, who all work together to sustain our future. As such we welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our employee lifecycle processes, including recruitment, are designed to prevent discrimination against our people regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, disability status, race, or any other aspect which makes them unique.