EDGE Website Intern

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL)’s EDGE of Existence programme identifies, highlights and conserves the world’s most Evolutionary 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 current conservation schemes, as 66% of the world’s top 100 EDGE mammals, 85% of the top 100 EDGE amphibians and all of the top 10 EDGE corals are currently receiving little or no conservation attention.

The EDGE website (www.edgeofexistence.org) contains detailed information about EDGE species and acts as a focal point for people helping to research, conserve, highlight and fundraise for EDGE species worldwide. It has proven to be one of the most effective methods of raising awareness and promoting EDGE species conservation to a global audience.

We are looking for a creative individual to join the EDGE team and help us achieve our goal of securing the future of poorly-known EDGE species by increasing their profile internationally and assisting with securing funding for their conservation. A large proportion of this internship will be spent developing innovative and exciting content for the website, engaging our current supporters by providing regular updates on our activities (through social media and newsletters), and devising and implementing novel fundraising ideas for increasing our support base.

Main duties will include:

- Updating the EDGE Coral Reefs webpages, including writing additional species accounts for high ranking EDGE corals
- Adding new content to the website in the form of blogs, news and videos to connect the public to EDGE conservationists in the field
- Maintaining a strong presence on social media networks (e.g. Twitter, Facebook) to engage the public in our work and attract new supporters
- Producing a bimonthly newsletter to engage our supporters in our work
- Responding to enquiries about EDGE from members of the public
- Promoting the EDGE Community and Champions programmes
- Assisting with writing funding proposals to support the development of key EDGE projects

The successful candidate will be self motivated and able to work independently to meet deadlines. Much of the internship will be spent researching coral systems and conservation news stories in the library and on the web, and contacting researchers and conservationists for information. Strong written communication skills and good attention to detail are essential, as is enthusiasm for our work and the ability to think creatively. Skills in graphic design would be advantageous but not essential. The candidate must have an undergraduate and preferably a Masters level degree in biology, conservation or a related subject.

Further details can be found on our website, www.zsl.org  

We ask that interns commit to six months full time (37.5 hours, Monday – Friday), starting in September 2012. The role is based within ZSL’s Conservation Programmes department in Regent’s Park, London so 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 ). All short listed applicants will be contacted by 10th September 2012. We receive many applications for our vacancies, and are unfortunately unable to reply to all enquiries. If you have not been contacted by this date we regret you have been unsuccessful on his occasion.

Closing date: Monday 3rd September 2012