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 Overview:
ZSL is looking for a Research & Nutrition Officer (RNO) to join our Zoological Department’s Research, Nutrition & Records team. This permanent and full-time position will play a key role in achieving our Research and Nutrition strategies. The RNO will facilitate the delivery of a high standard diet management programme to ensure best practice in animal health and welfare and by supporting and developing research based within the Zoological Department. The job holder will be expected to work at both the London and Whipsnade Zoo sites.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain the ZSL animal diet records database, monitor and amend diet sheets (recording diet changes, adding species new to collection, identifying diet drift and entering appropriate information onto ZIMS).
- Assist Nutritionist & Research Coordinator (NRC) with recording and managing requests for diet reviews & food analysis and implementing & monitoring the effectiveness of new diets (requiring job holder to work closely with keepers, team leaders and curators).
- Input food and diet data into diet analysis software (Fauna), assist with diet reviews and literature collation for all major taxa groups in the Living Collection
- Assist with sourcing food items in accordance with ZSL procurement policy; meeting quality, ethical & sustainable standards. Work with procurement teams and develop & build relationships with suppliers.
- In close collaboration with animal section staff, monitor section animal food ordering.
- Monitor and report on food prices and departmental spend using finance software (Vision & Complete).
- Undertake research projects as agreed by line managers and senior animal management team, with the primary focus on nutrition and welfare. Support the team with development and delivery of internal research projects.
- Compile reports and collaboratively prepare research for publication.
- Manage external research enquiries and applications using bespoke software (ZSL Projects Database).
- Support the NRO with research and nutrition training of staff (DMZZA students, keepers, secondment keepers etc).
- Assist with day to day supervision of secondment keepers, interns, volunteers and students.
- Represent ZSL and actively contribute to internal & external meetings and conferences as required
Person Specification:
Essential:
- Educated to MSc level in a relevant area or BSc plus relevant experience
- Excellent computer literacy and proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint.
- Good analytical and numerical ability & experience using statistics packages (e.g. SSPS & R)
- An understanding of the importance of evidence based research for decision making
- Ability to research, analyse and critically assess scientific material and to ensure a high degree of accuracy
- Clear technical ability in reporting (for internal and external audience & publications)
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and to manage competing priorities
- A proven interest in nutrition is important
Desirable:
- Experience conducting research in zoological settings
- Demonstrable knowledge of diet recording & analysis using diet management software
- Practical experience in zoo animal husbandry & management (working in a zoo or other animal related environment).
- Experience using ZIMS.
- Holding a driving licence is desirable.
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 job online" button on the ZSL website. 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 Saturday 31st December 2016.
The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.
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