British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
General Curator
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General Curator – Senior Animal Leadership Role
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve Kent
Key Details
- Closing Date: 14th July 2026
- Contact: Richard Barnes (LauraJ@howlettsandportlympne.com)
- Sector: Management
- Type: Paid
- Contract: Full-time, Permanent
- Salary: Up to £38,500.00 DOE (plus desirable benefits)
- Onsite accommodation: Available, dependent on occupancy
- Location: Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Kent
About the Role
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is excited to announce a brand-new senior leadership opportunity in the Animal Department:
The General Curator will play a pivotal role in managing the animal collection strategically and operationally. This key leadership position ensures the welfare of animals, maintains high standards of husbandry, and aligns closely with conservation objectives.
Reporting directly to the Animal Collections Manager, the General Curator will collaborate with the Veterinary Department, Animal Records team, and Section Heads. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing animal movements, quarantine procedures, record-keeping, breeding programmes, and surplus placements.
- Managing capture, transport, and veterinary interventions, as well as preventative healthcare initiatives.
- Leading emergency responses and acting as deputy to the Animal Collections Manager, ensuring seamless leadership continuity.
- Directing the planning, design, and delivery of new enclosures and refurbishments through to completion.
- Supporting visitor engagement, education, and external representation (talks, tours, VIP experiences, and beyond).
- Handling financial and administrative tasks, including budget oversight, strategic planning, and correspondence, and acting as the Person Responsible when required.
- Steering recruitment, training, mentoring, performance management, rota planning, and staff wellbeing initiatives.
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Responsibilities
- Managing and developing Senior Section Heads and animal teams, fostering a professional culture grounded in animal welfare.
- Guiding operational budgets and ensuring efficient resource allocation.
- Supporting logistics, problem-solving, team development, and initiatives to elevate animal care standards.
- Representing the organisation in emergency wildlife incidents and administrative duties.
Requirements
- Proven leadership in a leading senior role within a zoological or wildlife collection (e.g., Deputy Curator, Head of Section), with at least five years of relevant experience.
- Strategic and operational management skills, with expertise in:
- Overseeing large and diverse species, including large mammals.
- Managing financial constraints and departmental budgets.
- Regulatory compliance and adherence to welfare standards.
- Environmental insight: Broad understanding of global conservation priorities.
- Mandatory: Valid UK driving licence (manual).
- Person specification:
- Degree or equivalent in zoology/conservation/animal husbandry-related disciplines.
- Adaptability and collaboration in fast-paced wildlife settings.
- Strong communication skills for both internal and external stakeholders.
Contract Details
- Hours: 40 hours/week across five days, including weekends and bank holidays.
- Working hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM with a 60-minute unpaid lunch break. Flexibility is essential in animal care roles.
- Travel: Occasional travel to Howletts Wild Animal Park may be required.
- Status: Full-time, permanent position onsite.
- Reporting line: Directly to the Animal Collections Manager.
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Benefits
- Pension scheme
- Early Parent & Sickness leave policies
- 28 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, increasing with tenure).
- Full education opportunities: Continuous professional development, in-park workshops, and e-learning.
- Unlimited free entry into the reserve and Howletts for you and a guest, visitors passes for family/friends
- Discounts on food, retail products, and accommodation.
- Stress management support via our 24-hour health scheme.
- Length-of-service bonus programmes.
About Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, nestled across 600 acres ofKentish savannah, is home to some of the world’s most iconic rare species. Our ethos revolves around challenging wildlife conservation efforts, particularly for black rhinos and western lowland gorillas.
Our "One Team, Customer, and Pride" values underpin everything we do, and our passionate team embodies these ideals. Here, every colleague contributes to extraordinary work shaping experiences of wild animals and safe conservation.
Join Our Conservation Family
Discover our other perks and walk through your day to the sounds of Lions and Howler monkeys. Apply now to become part of our howletts and Port Lympne family.
How to Apply
To submit your application, please email a full CV and covering letter to: recruitment@howlettsandportlympne.com. Note: Early applications may cause an expedited closing of the role.
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