Voluntary Intern – Europe Conservation Programme

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.

The Zoological Society of London is seeking two interns to provide support to the Europe Conservation Programme. They will be part of a busy team, focusing on marine and freshwater projects, and will have the opportunity to gain experience interning at a globally respected conservation organisation.

The six-month long internships will include a substantial element of fieldwork support related to our conservation work in the Thames catchment including boat work monitoring fish. Additional tasks include maintaining and updating the marine mammal sightings database; data input and analysis; representing ZSL at meetings and events; and providing general support to all other projects in the Europe Conservation Programme.

The candidates should be self-motivated and possess excellent communication skills as they may be tasked with drafting reports and stakeholder communications.  Experience of aquatic sampling techniques would be advantageous, as would an existing knowledge of the Thames Estuary and its fauna. Willingness to carry out physically demanding fieldwork in sometimes challenging conditions and a confidence around water will both be necessary.  It is essential that candidates have either a full UK or international manual driving licence and be confident of driving through London.

The internships will be 5-6 months, starting 6 February 2017. The role is part time (ideally 4 days per week) and is based at ZSL’s Conservation Programmes department in Regent’s Park.

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

In this role, the voluntary interns will benefit from:

• Experience conducting monitoring fieldwork in the London area as a part of one of the UK’s leading conservation research organisations.

• Training opportunities, including an Induction to working at ZSL, Health and Safety awareness and attendance at regional conferences and conservation planning workshops.
• Experience in data analysis, report writing and public engagement.
• Interaction with staff across the Society, particularly from the Conservation Programmes department, with opportunities to engage more widely with members of the local conservation community including statutory organisations and universities.
• Regular opportunities to attend scientific talks by professional researchers and practitioners in science and conservation.
• Access to ZSL facilities including the Library and both zoo sites (ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade) for the duration of the internship.

Applicants will need to upload their CV and a covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position, including details of availability and details of two referees ) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this role online" button on the following link. If you have any queries regarding these positions or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org or marineandfreshwater@zsl.org.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 22nd January 2017.

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