Head of Conservation

REPORTS TO: CEO, The Deep. 

This role is office based at The Deep and at the University of Hull. 

SALARY: £60,000 per annum 

NORMAL HOURS OF WORK: 39 Hours per week, Monday to Friday between core office hours of 07.30hrs and 18.00hrs. 

The Deep is open 7 days a week (including out of hours activities), therefore some occasional work outside core hours may be required. Please note this job is split between two locations, The Deep and the University of Hull. 

ANNUAL LEAVE: 25 days plus bank holidays and Christmas Eve. 

PENSION: The Deep is an admitted body of the East Riding Pension Fund (www.erpf.org.uk) which administers the Local Government Pension Scheme in our region. This is a ‘defined benefits’ scheme. 

PLUS: Deep Crew enjoy an annual allocation of complimentary tickets, discounts in the DeepArtment Store and The Plaice café, free parking, an Employee Assistance Programme and access to an annual bonus scheme

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: AS THE HEAD OF CONSERVATION FOR THE DEEP; AT THE DEEP:

 • Through liaison with the CEO, Director of Husbandry & Exhibition and relevant Deep crew, design, deliver and maintain a comprehensive, focused conservation portfolio in line with The Deep’s Conservation and Research Strategy to complement the charitable objectives of The Deep. 

• Produce all relevant reports as required by the organisation to comply with Zoo Licensing. 

• Horizon scan for opportunities/partnerships/ collaborations for The Deep to participate effectively in conservation action in line with its strategies, priorities and legislative requirements (be this fundraising, campaigning, in-situ, ex-situ work, awareness raising). 

• Work across all departments within The Deep with relevant Crew members to facilitate accurate educational content, coordinate delivery and assess the effectiveness of conservation outputs. (Including but not limited to formal and informal education, marketing messaging.)

• Seek out and apply for funding from appropriate sources to support conservation outputs. 

• Sit on The Deep’s Ethical Review Committee • Deliver conservation updates to Deep Crew and engage and encourage them to participate to create a culture of involvement. 

• Work closely with the Director of Husbandry & Exhibition to ensure exhibition content reflects current topics and The Deep’s wider work. 

• Produce scientific papers and short communications for publication in relevant journals and platforms. 

• Assist with the delivery of student projects with academic partners. 

• Develop a useful and helpful conduit between The Deep (and the wider Aquarium community) and the Species Survival Commission acting to support the work of the IUCN where possible. 

• Remain current with IUCN strategy to ensure The Deep remains focused on best practice. 

• Support the continuation of the global Red Listing Assessment hubs and network, a model initially developed by The Deep with the IUCN. 

• Receive any available training and ongoing development. 

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL: 

• Contribute to the delivery and assessment of taught modules within conservation programmes, including with respect to the delivery of IUCN knowledge products and the application of conservation principles to real world case studies. 

• Provide support to the University of Hull to interweave IUCN products and ethos within conservation teaching, particularly at Master’s level, and provide ongoing updates to ensure course content remains current. 

• Facilitate and organise a series of complementary guest lectures, case studies and activities to enhance the course. 

• Design and supervise dissertation projects related to the research and output elements of the role, or as required to meet the programme requirements.

• Provide student support as a personal supervisor, and member of the teaching team. 

• Facilitate student volunteering opportunities in Red Listing (or other areas as required) through relevant hubs. Maintain strong working relationships and stakeholder engagement. 

• Explore and support collaborative research and knowledge exchange activities between The Deep and the University of Hull, including obtaining funding and generating publishable outputs. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Extend own knowledge of scientific issues to remain current in the field of conservation. 

• Act as spokesperson for The Deep on conservation related matters. 

• Undertake any other duties as needed. • Undertake relevant training in University teaching as necessary. 

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL: 

• PhD in Marine Biology, Zoology, Oceanography, Conservation Biology or related field.

• A high level of proficiency in scientific writing and communication in English. 

• A high level of experience with conservation project management (including design, funding, resourcing, delivery, review). 

• A track record of published research or conservation outputs. 

• Strong networks across the marine conservation sector. 

• IUCN training and qualifications or willingness to undertake such training to teach IUCN conservation tools and products. 

• An understanding of the role of Aquariums and Zoos in conservation. 

• A commitment to The Deep and its mission. 

• Excellent communication skills with an ability to deliver complex conceptual ideas to widely diverse audiences, and excellent stakeholder management skills. 

• Self motivation. 

• Excellent Team working skills. 

• Attention to detail, a willingness to learn and a commitment to Continuous Professional Development. 

• Ability to teach effectively at postgraduate level, in an academic and/or conservation setting. 

• Experience of supervising research projects at the postgraduate level (or equivalent), in an academic and/ or conservation setting. 

• Evidence of collaborative working, particularly on interdisciplinary activities. 

• It is noted that the successful candidate will be required to provide all documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. A satisfactory DBS check will also be required. 

DESIRABLE: 

• Demonstrable experience in scientific and public engagement, including good presentation skills. 

• Experience in team/student motivation and engagement.

Applications are invited as CVs with covering letter which should draw our attention to how you believe you match what The Deep is looking for; what sets you apart? Other application formats are welcome if this is preferable instead of, or in addition to, written submissions.

These should be sent to louise.kirby@thedeep.co.uk and submitted by 9am on Monday 8th September 2025. 

Interviews are likely to take place the week of the Monday 15th September 2025