Essex Native Oyster Restoration Internship

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. 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. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct.

We are seeking an intern to provide support to the Essex Native Oyster Restoration Initiative (ENORI). They will be part of a multi-organisational collaboration, focusing on pioneering UK habitat restoration work and a new, extensive outreach programme. The intern will have the opportunity to gain experience interning at a globally respected conservation organisation.

The six-month long internship will be four days per week and will include a substantial element of fieldwork support related to our conservation work in the Blackwater Estuary. Additional tasks include representing ZSL and ENORI at meetings and outreach events; coordination volunteers; and providing general support to all other ENORI tasks.

In this role, the successful candidate will benefit from:

• Experience in UK pioneering habitat restoration work
• Experience conducting monitoring fieldwork as a part of one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations.
• Extensive experience in public engagement, running events and coordinating volunteers.
• Interaction with project partner organisations, including academic bodies, government regulators, the fisheries industry and environmental conservation organisations, with opportunities to engage more widely with members of the local conservation community including statutory organisations and universities.

NB: This is an outline of a range of main duties that may be encountered. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the role or the organisation.

This is a field-based posting, locality to Mersea Island is essential. The candidate will have a full UK or international driving licence.

Qualifications & Experience

• BSc in relevant marine sciences
• Experience of outreach and public engagement work is essential
• Ability to work as part of a team and to work independently using own initiative

Knowledge

• A good understanding of marine ecology including native oyster biology and history
• An understanding of the drivers of marine biodiversity loss
• An understanding of marine habitat restoration work

Skills & Abilities

• An ability to manage competing priorities is essential
• Good communication skills

Other Requirements

• Attention to detail and commitment to high quality
• Collaborative ethos

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 this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Sunday 18th April 2021.

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