Job Description

Freelance Habitat & Enclosure Design Architect
Rate: £35.00-50.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Location: Onsite at Hertfordshire Zoo
Contract: Freelance, project-based, generally 1 day per week

Hertfordshire Zoo is focused on Long-term Conservation and on creating the best possible environments for the 500+ animals that call HZ home.
We are now seeking an experienced Architect or specialist Designer to support upcoming enclosure, habitat and small-scale building projects across our site. This is a unique opportunity to shape high-quality, welfare-led spaces for a diverse range of species, while improving visitor experience and supporting the long-term development of the zoo.
Projects will vary from early-stage concept design through to detailed technical drawings, depending on your strengths. You’ll work closely with our animal care, horticulture, maintenance and leadership teams to deliver designs that are functional, safe, innovative and grounded in modern zoo standards.

How Do I apply?
If you think you are the perfect fit for this role, please apply now by emailing your CV, portfolio and current rate to: michael.felstead@hertfordshirezoo.com

Closing Date: Sunday 4th January 2026

Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early, depending on the number of applications, so if you’re interested, please submit an application as soon as possible.

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Information

Job Title: Architect
Category: Charity
Job Type: Contract
On-Site / Remote: Hybrid

Key Responsibilities

Typical work may include:
Enclosure and habitat concepts for new or redeveloped animal spaces
Technical drawings for buildings, shelters and service areas
Input into landscaping, theming and guest-facing elements
Ensuring designs meet zoo licensing, biosecurity and safety
Regular communication with internal teams to refine and update designs

Experience and Qualifications

ARC / RIBA qualification or strong demonstrable experience in enclosure, landscape, or specialist facility design

Proven ability in either concept design or technical delivery (RIBA Stage 3/4 or equivalent)

An understanding of the practical considerations of animal habitats, visitor flow, safety and maintenance

Relevant Skills and Knowledge

Ability to attend Hertfordshire Zoo for site visits and meetings, as required

Experience in themed environments, wildlife parks, leisure attractions or complex outdoor spaces is highly desirable

If you have experience in zoos, aquariums, wildlife facilities, landscape design, themed environments or similar specialist sectors, we’d love to hear from you.

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Location

EN10 7QA, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom

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