Technical Officer - Restoring the Thamescape

Since the early 2000s, the Estuaries and Wetlands team at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have been working with partners and volunteers to drastically improve the biodiversity of the Greater Thames Estuary. As part of this work, we have a dedicated coastal habitat restoration team working towards recovery of intertidal seagrass, saltmarsh and native oyster habitat in this area, known as the Restoring the Thamescape project. This role will focus on the oyster side of this work.

• Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local oystermen, fishers, water users, regulators, academics, and other eNGOs, to broaden partnerships and incorporate key interests.
• Analyse and Apply Data: Review and synthesise published literature, guidance, and data to extract relevant insights and inform the next steps in project development.
• Map and Model Key Datasets: Utilise mapping and modelling techniques to analyse relevant datasets, including oyster population data, seabed and substrate information, temperature variations, and environmental pressures.
• Identify and Address Knowledge Gaps: Pinpoint information gaps and needs, addressing them through desk-based research, stakeholder engagement, and the design of targeted surveys.
• Manage Field Surveys: Oversee the planning and execution of field surveys, such as coupelle (oyster spat collector) deployment and retrieval, ensuring all logistics and necessary licences or permissions are secured.
• Develop the Oyster Recovery Plan: Lead the preparation of a comprehensive written Oyster Recovery Plan for the Greater Thames Estuary, drawing on research findings, stakeholder input, and field data.

• A BSc degree in marine sciences or a related subject, or an equivalent qualification. Alternatively, candidates can demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and expertise through relevant practical work experience.
• Experience with and confidence in building relationships with local stakeholders, such as oystermen, fishers and other users of the local coastal and marine environment.
• Experience of leading and managing fieldwork.
• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills (verbal and written) to communicate effectively with the rest of the team, and to collaborate with a range of external stakeholders, deliver presentations and write reports.
• Proven ability to work independently, take ownership of tasks, and problem solve.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to thoroughly research, review and distil key technical learnings to be shared with wider project team and other stakeholders. Proficient in taking those key learnings to determine next steps.

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.  

What do we offer?  

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct  
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you  
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays  
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day 
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops  
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle  
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages