Interpretation Manager
Join us as Interpretation Manager (Maternity Cover) at Chester Zoo, the most visited attraction outside of London! This is an exciting period in the organisation’s development, with the recent launch of Heart of Africa last year and exciting new projects on the horizon, there’s lots of opportunities for innovative interpretation and storytelling. The Interpretation Manager works as a key member of our professional team, taking responsibility for the management of all interpretation across the site, this includes signage, theming (inc. murals, textiles), wayfinding, soundscapes, films and games. They must have an eye for detail, high standards and maintain the quality our visitors deserve. Interpretation has the potential to educate, to enhance visitor experience and to empower visitors to live more sustainably. No two days are alike in this dynamic, creative role; one day you might be creating a scheme of giraffe focussed signage and films, and the next, developing new wayfinding solutions.
As Interpretation Manager you will:
Skilfully manage a range of differing priorities and projects, using excellent organisational skills.
Manage internal team members and external contractors professionally.
Ensure all interpretation, including signage, theming, interactives, digital, models, and artwork is produced to a high standard, is safe and accessible, and aligns with the zoo’s core messaging and mission.
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development.
We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.
Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?
The Package
This is a fixed term contract (maternity cover) for approx 12 months
40 hours per week, usually Monday Friday, but occasionally weekend working is required
Potential for some home working
33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
Cycle to work scheme
Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
Discounted gym membership
Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
Our Requirements
Substantial experience developing exhibitions and interpretive schemes in a zoo, aquarium, museum, gallery, or similar environment is essential.
Strong people management skills - supervising a team and managing the work of others.
Substantial experience managing projects, with demonstrable experience of time management, managing budgets, administration, and planning skills. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meeting deadlines and ensuring appropriate quality control.
Knowledge of legislation and best practice guidance as it applies to the development of interpretation, including copyright, DDA, health and safety, CDM and GDPR.
An eye for design and a creative approach to interpretation and communicating with zoo visitors. Attention to detail and excellent copy writing skills, alongside the ability to write for a broad range of audiences is essential.
Audience focused approach, demonstrated through experience in a customer focused environment and understanding of audience segmentation and developing interpretation for different audiences.
Experience commissioning and contracting designers, artists, builders, and other contractors.
Strong IT skills: Skilled in the use of all key Microsoft packages and use of digital technologies for public engagement.
Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills. Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team, to work under pressure and to collaborate with various stakeholders across the zoo and beyond.
Although not essential, the following would be desirable:
A formal qualification with an interpretation element such as a Museum Studies MA is desirable.
A working knowledge of conservation and/ or zoology. This could be demonstrated by a Zoology or Biological Science degree and/or experience of working within a zoo, conservation organisation or similar environment. Alternatively, the post holder could have a strong understanding of exhibitions and interpretation from museums, galleries, or alternative collections and/ or a relevant degree.
Please be aware we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We would recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you complete the application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.
