Estuaries and Wetlands Intern

The Estuaries and Wetlands Intern will play a vital role in supporting ZSL’s conservation work across the Thames catchment, contributing to projects focused on coastal habitat restoration, freshwater species monitoring, and wider aquatic ecosystem recovery.

Working closely with Project Officers and Managers, the intern will assist with fieldwork, data management, volunteer coordination, and reporting, while gaining hands-on experience in marine and freshwater conservation at a globally respected organisation. The position requires a strong commitment to ZSL’s mission, confidence in outdoor fieldwork, and the ability to balance practical tasks with accurate data handling and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities:  

• Fieldwork and Survey Preparation: Assist with fieldwork activities, including preparation, organisation of equipment, and on-site surveys.
• Volunteer Coordination: Coordinate and support volunteers involved in conservation projects.
• Data Management and Record Keeping: Maintain and update databases of survey results, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Contribute to data analysis and report writing to support project delivery and outcomes.
• Programme Representation: Represent ZSL at meetings and events, and provide general support across the Estuaries and Wetlands Programme.

• Some relevant experience in marine/aquatic sciences or similar subject matter.
• Previous experience of and willingness to carry out fieldwork.
• Competence in using MS office packages, specifically Excel and PowerPoint.
• The ability to manage and manipulate datasets.
• Both roles are predominately field based with projects on the River Thames and Thames Estuary, therefore proximity to London is essential.
• A full manual driving license is required for both roles and to be confident of driving through London and around south-east England.

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