Estuaries & Wetlands Internship (Part-Time / 6 Months)

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, we guide and enable others in the UK and all across the world. Inspiring, informing, empowering – working for wildlife.

The Zoological Society of London is seeking two interns to provide support to the Estuaries and Wetlands Conservation Programme. They will be part of a busy team, focusing on marine and freshwater projects, and will have the opportunity to gain experience interning at a globally respected conservation organisation. The internships will be 10 months, starting 4th February 2019. The role is 4 days per week and is based at ZSL’s Conservation Programmes department in Regent’s Park.

The ten-month long internships will include a substantial element of fieldwork support related to our conservation work in the Thames catchment including boat work monitoring fish and monitoring the eel site that is used in the ZSL data report to the EA and ICES. Additional tasks include maintaining and updating the marine mammal sightings database; data input and analysis; representing ZSL at meetings and events; writing of reports and providing general support to all other projects in the Estuaries and Wetlands Conservation Programme.

In this role, the interns will benefit from:

• Experience conducting monitoring fieldwork in the London area as a part of one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations.
• Training opportunities, including an Induction to working at ZSL, Health and Safety awareness and attendance at regional conferences and conservation planning workshops.
• Experience in data analysis, report writing and public engagement.
• Interaction with staff across the Society, particularly from the Conservation Programmes department, with opportunities to engage more widely with members of the local conservation community including statutory organisations and universities.
• Regular opportunities to attend scientific talks by professional researchers and practitioners in science and conservation.
• Access to ZSL facilities including the Library and both zoo sites (ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade) for the duration of the internship.

The candidates should be self-motivated and possess good communication skills as they may be tasked with assisting the team with reports and stakeholder communications. Experience of aquatic sampling techniques would be useful but not essential, as would some knowledge of the Thames Estuary and its fauna. Knowledge of GIS and stats or at least an advanced grasp of Excel. Willingness to carry out physically demanding fieldwork in sometimes challenging conditions and a confidence around water will both be necessary. It is essential that candidates have either a full UK or international manual driving licence and be confident of driving through London.

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) 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.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Sunday 8th December 2019.

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

ZSL kindly requests no contact from agencies or media sales please regarding this position.