EDGE Birds Co-ordinator Internship

The Zoological Society of London (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. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Launched in 2007, ZSL’s EDGE of Existence programme (www.edgeofexistence.org) identifies, highlights and conserves the world’s most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. Examples include the long-beaked echidna, Chinese giant salamander and West Indian solenodons. The programme has identified a major gap in global conservation efforts, as the majority of high ranking EDGE species currently receive little or no conservation attention. We aim to fill this gap by increasing awareness of, and catalysing targeted conservation action for, poorly-known EDGE species worldwide.

The EDGE approach has been applied to mammals, amphibians and corals to date, and in 2013 we will be expanding its coverage to include birds. We are offering an exciting opportunity for a volunteer to help develop the EDGE Birds programme, which entails writing content for the EDGE website, identifying bird species not currently receiving conservation attention and assisting with the development of appropriate conservation interventions. Much of the internship will be spent researching threatened species in the library and on the web, and contacting scientists/conservationists for information and images of EDGE birds and their habitat.

Main duties will include:

-       Preparing species accounts for the top 100 EDGE birds, top 20 ED birds and recently extinct bird species

-       Collating images and, where possible, video footage of the above species for use on the website and in publicity materials

-       Creating distribution maps for each species highlighted

-       Assisting ZSL’s PR department to prepare materials for the media launch of EDGE Birds

-       Assisting in the identification of a set of focal EDGE bird species for immediate conservation attention

-       Assisting with writing funding proposals to support the development of key EDGE bird projects

We are seeking a candidate with strong written and verbal communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. An interest in bird ecology, evolution and conservation plus experience in writing grant applications would also be advantageous. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and be able to work independently to meet deadlines. S/he will have an undergraduate and preferably a Masters level degree in biology, conservation or a related subject.

The internship is for up to six months, starting in January 2013. The role is ideally full time (37.5 hours, Monday – Friday) and is based within ZSL’s Conservation Programmes department in Regent’s Park, London. Candidates should ideally live within easy daily reach of ZSL London Zoo. All applicants must be able to show that they have permission to work in the UK.

Please note that this is a voluntary position. However, ZSL will reimburse travel costs from within the Greater London area (zones 1-6) and lunches.

To apply

Please send a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for this role, your CV and details of two referees to Ms Carly Waterman (carly.waterman@zsl.org) by 12^th December 2012. Interviews will be held on 19^th December 2012. We regret that we will only be able to contact applicants who have been selected for interview.