Estuaries and Wetlands - Paid Internship

Country UK City London Category Conservation Department (and Section) Conservation and Policy - Regional - UK and Europe Closing Date 12/03/2023 Level Intern Position Type Paid Intern Advertised Salary National Living Wage Overview We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Role Profile The purpose of this role is to support the delivery of ZSL’s ‘Restoring the Thamescape’ project which aims to restore seagrass, native oyster, and saltmarsh habitat across the Greater Thames Estuary, and to support the delivery of Thames European Eel Conservation projects. The post holder may also have the opportunity to support other aquatic habitat and species conservation projects within the Estuaries and Wetlands programme and will gain experience at a globally respected conservation organisation. The post holder will work closely with Project Officers and Project Managers in the Estuaries and Wetlands team.
Please note: This role is for 9 months/4 days a week and is predominately field based with projects on the River Thames and Thames Estuary, therefore, proximity to London is essential.
Main Duties and Responsibilities The internship will include a substantial element of coastal and river fieldwork support related to our conservation work in the Thames catchment. Additional responsibilities may include:

• Support with fieldwork
• Coordination of volunteers
• Updating and maintaining databases of survey results, ensuring accuracy of inputting
• Data analysis and report writing
• Representing ZSL at meetings and events
• Providing general support to other projects in the Estuaries and Wetlands Programme

Person Specification The ideal candidate will:

• Have some relevant experience in marine/aquatic sciences or similar subject matter
• Demonstrate experience of and willingness to carry out fieldwork
• Have experience of working as part of a team and of working independently using own initiative.
• Have competence in using MS office packages, specifically Excel and PowerPoint.
• Have the ability to manage and manipulate datasets.
• Have familiarity with managing competing priorities.
• Demonstrate high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Have good communication skills for written reports and stakeholder engagement.
• This role will require carrying out fieldwork in challenging conditions, and a confidence around water will be necessary.
• This post will require extensive outside working with direct exposure to the weather.
• This post may require occasional work during evenings and/or weekends.
• A full manual driving license is required for this role and to be confident of driving through London and around south-east England.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from disabled and ethnic minority candidates as those demographics are currently under-represented across ZSL.
What do we offer?
You will have access to a blended program of Wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program as well as regular webinars and activities around mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. The opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to improving diversity and inclusion.
Other benefits include 25 days holiday per annum, life assurance, stakeholder pension (ZSL will also match further contributions you may choose to make up to a further 5% - limited to 12% employer contributions), complimentary zoo tickets with a 30% discount in shops and online, subsidised canteen, enhanced paternity and maternity leave, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership and access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities.
Ultimately, you’ll know that you’ll help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct. To Apply Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button.
Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) on 12 March 2023
The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.