Angelsharks in Wales Project Coordinator (Part-Time / 2 Year Fixed-Term Contract)

The Critically Endangered Angelshark (Squatina squatina) is one of the most threatened sharks in the world. Following widespread global decline over the past 100 years, Wales is one of the last places where Angelsharks still occur, but little is known about this population. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have developed the Angelsharks in Wales Project, with an overall aim to safeguard one of the world’s rarest sharks through fisher-participation, heritage and citizen-science

ZSL, a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.

NRW’s purpose is to pursue sustainable management of natural resources in all of its work. This means looking after air, land, water, wildlife, plants and soil to improve Wales’ well-being, and provide a better future for everyone.

ZSL is seeking an enthusiastic and versatile individual to join our Marine and Freshwater Conservation Programme in the role of Angelsharks in Wales Project Coordinator. The post will be based in the Natural Resources Wales Offices in Bangor, Wales, on a part time basis (3 days a week for 2 years), with frequent travel in Wales and to London. You will be joining at an exciting time as we launch the Angelsharks in Wales Project to expand shark conservation efforts in Wales and demonstrate that community memories can directly inform conservation of a Critically Endangered species.

The successful candidate will coordinate key aspects of the Angelsharks in Wales Project, specifically leading on community engagement, liaising with project collaborators, organising events and supporting citizen scientists. The post will also contribute to technical and funder reports and help develop the Wales Angelshark Action Plan. Being able to communicate at a basic level in Welsh is required for this role, especially during community engagement work (a confident Welsh speaker is desirable).

This position is kindly funded through a grant from Heritage Lottery Fund and Welsh Government.

• Organises project meetings, workshops, fieldwork and community events through liaising with partners, preparing materials and writing up minutes/results
• Updates the Angelsharks in Wales Project webpage, social media accounts, quarterly updates and e-bulletins;
• Organises the History of Angels Roadshow through promoting and delivering activities with established community groups focusing on people aged over 60
• Point of contact for citizen science volunteers, supervising their historical research.
• Lead fisher engagement work, including organising regular informal meetings, attending fisher affiliation meetings, and training in best-practice handling and data techniques.
• Helps project managers /collaborators in organising the Dive for Angels surveys; completes fieldwork and helps analysis.
• Ensures that the Angelsharks in Wales Evaluation plan is followed by leading on monitoring the project using identified indicators, delivering interviews and focus group discussions.
• The post holder supports the project managers in tracking project activities and financial expenditure to ensure that deliverables are achieved according to the grant contract, work-plan and budget. Leads on monthly reporting to the ZSL Projects Database.

(The below criteria are essential for the job role)

• BSc/BA in a relevant subject or experience working in conservation/community engagement
• A full UK driving licence (access to a car is desirable)
• Ability to communicate in the Welsh Language (applicants with basic Welsh language skills will still be considered)
• Excellent organisational skills with good attention to detail; experience in organising and delivering communication and engagement activities (i.e. events, talks, conferences, cross-sectoral meetings).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, especially confidence in speaking to and adapting language for a range of audiences
• Proven ability in using MS office packages (knowledge of statistical packages/geospatial analysis desirable)
• Good timekeeping skills, including ability to work to (and meet) deadlines, effectively prioritise and work in a fast-paced environment
• A good grasp of relevant conservation issues in Wales and the marine environment

Please Note:

The post holder will work normal office hours (22.5 hours a week on average) but there will sometimes be a requirement to work out of office hours or over weekends to meet deadlines, travel, and undertake fieldwork (extra time worked will be taken off in-lieu).

We would like the successful candidate to start in mid-to-end June; if they are unable to start at this time we would like for them to attend the Angelshark in Wales Project launch meeting scheduled for 15th June if possible.

For a full job description please click here.

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. If you have any queries regarding these positions or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources.

Closing Date: Midnight (23:59) Tuesday 29th May 2018.

 Anticipated Interview Date: Wednesday 6th June 2018

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.