Marine & Freshwater Conservation Programme Intern

The Zoological Society of London is seeking two interns to provide support to the Marine and Freshwater Conservation Programme. Successful candidates will join an international team and be given the opportunity to gain work experience within a globally respected conservation organisation.

Interns will be assigned to either the ‘Estuarine Biodiversity Project’, undertaking statistical analysis of fish and invertebrate populations of the Thames Estuary, or the ‘Marine Mammal Project’, applying GIS skills to analyse GPS tag data from harbour seals in the Thames and East coast of England. Both internships will have a significant fieldwork component, primarily consisting of monthly monitoring of the Critically Endangered European eel in marsh habitat and weekly fixed point monitoring of estuarine fish and invertebrates. Another key area will be acoustic video analysis of the migration of the European eel. Training will be provided in fish and invertebrate identification, acoustic video analysis and GPS telemetry data analysis. Additional activities will include data input and analysis and representing ZSL at meetings and events.

Successful candidates must have an undergraduate and preferably a Masters level degree in Marine Biology or a related subject. Candidates must be skilled in statistical analysis and/or GIS mapping, be self motivated and able to operate autonomously and in sometimes testing field conditions. Exceptional research and written communication skills are required for drafting reports, posters and website articles. It is essential that candidates have either a fullUKmanual driving licence, or equivalent, and be confident of driving throughLondon. Existing knowledge of the Thames Estuary and its fauna would be advantageous.

The internship is for six months, starting on 1^st October 2012 and running until the 29^th March 2013. The role is part time (4 days per week) and is based within ZSL’s Conservation Programmes department in Regent’s Park. All applicants must be able to show that they have permission to work in theUK.

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 (max £5 a day). Please also note there should be no expectation that any paid position will arise out of this internship.

This is an excellent opportunity for the successful candidate to further their knowledge of conservation and to gain essential conservation experience. To apply, please send a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for this role, your CV and details of two referees to marineandfreshwater@zsl.org.

Closing date for applications:

• Midnight 13^th September 2012
• Interviews likely to be held 20^th-21^st September.