Science and Conservation Communications Officer

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to fulfil our mission of preventing extinction, from feeding the animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our 1.9 million visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and we want to be the best zoo in the world!

If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Science and Conservation Communications Officer to join our Science Directorate.

The Role

• Working collaboratively with a number of departments to coordinate the provision of materials designed to promote our Science and Field Programmes activities to different audiences, both internal and external.
• Assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of various communications methods, and working to continuously improve them.
• Keeping employees informed of our Science and Field Conservation activities in order to facilitate the updating of related zoo activities, including interpretation and public talks.
• Assisting with the organisation and coordination of symposiums and science outreach events, to promote awareness and involvement in conservation and science to our external customers.

The successful candidate will have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in a Biological/Environmental Science related subject or in Science Communications
• Extensive knowledge of biodiversity conservation and an understanding of conservation theory, as well as the role of the modern zoo in conservation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with  proven experience of writing for a variety of audiences
• Experience in a professional role of producing effective conservation and/or science-related awareness material to a range of audiences across a wide range of media, with a focus on social media
• A good working knowledge in the use of all key Microsoft packages
• Excellent proof reading and editing skills, as well as strong attention to detail and organisational skills

An MSc or equivalent qualification in a media or communications related subject would be advantageous, as would some experience of carrying out scientific research in the field.

Hours of work are 35 hours per week worked Monday to Friday, with the occasional need for weekend and evening working.

The salary for this role is £22,691.56 per annum and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at http://www.chesterzoo.org/footer/careers/working-at-chester-zoo.

To apply for this position, please provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Science and Conservation Communications Officer role to http://www.chesterzoo.org/footer/careers.

Closing date for applications is Sunday, 20^th January 2019.