Anguillid Eel Specialist Group Voluntary Intern

About Us:

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Role Profile:

The Conservation Programmes Department at the Zoological Society of London is offering an excellent opportunity to gain experience with one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations. The intern will collaborate with the ZSL’s Marine and Freshwater Programme Manager, a Post-Doctoral fellow in the Institute of Zoology, and other project partners to the develop an ‘eel threat index’ by examining historical changes in key parameters such as habitat availability, fishing pressure, presence and prevalence of a parasite and levels of pollutants such as PCBs, using available data.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Specific tasks of this internship include:

• Identifying relevant data sources/maps for inclusion in the index/model from existing grey/published literature, national and regional databases, and engagement with academic and non-academic institutions and organisations;
• Collation and analysis of data using relevant analytical software e.g. GIS, R.
• Engage with relevant industry, policy and science stakeholders and organisations in relation to both inputs and outputs of the study.

Person Specification:

Candidates should have familiarity with aquatic conservation and/or biology, including knowledge of the threats to the habitats and species in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Knowledge of anguillid eel biology would be preferable but not essential.

They should be IT proficient and have good attention to detail, along with strong research and communication skills and an ability to work independently. Use of R and GIS software would be highly desirable.

Finally, potential volunteers must be eligible to work in the UK.

The volunteering opportunity is for six months, starting in May 2016. The role is ideally three/four days a week, following normal office hours from 9am to 5pm, though there is room for flexibility. The post is based within ZSL’s Conservation Programmes department in Regent’s Park, London.

Please note that this is a voluntary position. However, lunch (up to £5) and travel expenses (equivalent to a monthly travel card within zones 1-6) will be reimbursed.

In this role, the voluntary intern will benefit from:

• Collaborating on a unique pilot project that aims to collate and analyse a large dataset for the benefit of anguillid eels and freshwater systems more broadly.
• Contact with a broad range of national international stakeholders and leaders in the field of aquatic biology and conservation.
• Experience of the process of converting science to meaningful management and policy advice through working with academia, NGOs and government stakeholders.

A full role description for this voluntary internship can be accessed here.

To Apply:

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 role online” button. If you have any queries regarding this position please contact Matthew Gollock via e-mail: matthew.gollock@zsl.org.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 28th March 2016.

You will be contacted by Friday 1st April 2016 if you have been selected for an interview. Interviews will be held on Friday 8th April 2016, with a start date of Monday 2nd May 2015.

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