Tidal Thames Conservation Project Interns

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

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.

 

The internship will have a heavy field work component with candidates expected to spend at least 2 days a week in the field throughout their six month contract. Field work will primarily consist of conducting our annual European eel recruitment monitoring and marine mammal surveys within the Thames Estuary. Additional responsibilities will include data input and analysis, representing ZSL at meetings and events and providing general support to the global marine and freshwater programme.

 

A successful candidate must have an undergraduate and preferably a Masters level degree in Marine Biology or a related subject. Candidates must be self motivated and be able to work in sometimes testing field conditions. A successful candidate will have exceptional research and written communication skills as they will be tasked with drafting reports, posters and updating the website. It is essential that candidates have either a full UK manual driving licence, or equivalent, and be confident of driving through London. Existing knowledge of the Thames Estuary and its fauna would be advantageous.

 

The internship is for six months, starting on 11^th April 2011 and running until the 11^th October 2011. The role is part time (4 days) 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 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 (max £5 a day). Please note there should be no expectation that any paid position will arise out of this internship.

 

Terms of Reference

 

Main tasks would include (but not exhaustive):

• Field-work, including all or part of the following: monitoring elver traps, and fish/invertebrate sampling.
• Data input and analysis.
• Maintenance of conservation database and website.
• Drafting project reports and posters.
• Attending meetings and events.
• Providing support to the international projects.

 

The ideal candidate should have:

• A university background in marine biology, aquatic ecology and/or relevant biological/zoological sciences (or equivalent).
• Full driving licence.
• Knowledge of the Thames catchment or a similar estuarine / riverine environment.
• Excellent English both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Excellent IT skills.

 

ZSL is offering:

• A professional working environment,
• Work alongside an international team,
• Supervision by Conservation Programmes staff,
• Experience with UK statutory organisations and NGOs,
• Experience working within an active conservation organisation,
• Facilities including computer, internet, library and all field equipment,
• A 6 month contract with daily expense coverage (travel zones 1-6, and lunch costs (max £5 per day))

 

Period of volunteer contract:

• Monday 11^th April 2011 – 11^th October 2011,
• 4 days per week with 7.5 days holiday and public holidays.

 

Closing date for applications:

• Sunday 3^rd April 2011.
• Interviews will take place on Wednesday the 6^th April 2011.

 

This is an excellent opportunity for the successful candidate to further their knowledge of conservation and to relevant 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.