Species Conservation Officer

As a Species Conservation Officer you will contribute to a diverse portfolio of UK-based aquatic species conservation projects. These include, but are not limited to, efforts to restore native sturgeon populations, advance eel recovery initiatives in London, and monitor seals across the Greater Thames Estuary.

You will play a central role in delivering these projects, working closely with delivery partners and undertaking fieldwork across riverine and coastal environments. Responsibilities will also include managing and analysing data, contributing to report writing, and supporting effective project delivery from field to final outputs.

Through this varied and hands-on role, you will make a direct contribution to ZSL’s wider conservation strategy and objectives, helping to drive impactful conservation action for aquatic species across the UK.

This position is offered as a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract. 

Key responsibilities:   

• Project coordination and communication: Build and maintain effective relationships with project partners, stakeholders, and community groups.
• Fieldwork: Conduct fieldwork in riverine and coastal environments, from shore and vessels, in a range of weather conditions.
• Data management and analysis: Analyse ecological and monitoring data to support project objectives and inform decision-making.
• Report writing and dissemination: Produce high-quality project reports clearly outlining methods and outcomes.
• Fundraising: Support the development of grant applications for existing and new projects.

• Educated to undergraduate degree level in biology/conservation or related subject area, or equivalent qualification, or demonstrate such a level of equivalent qualifications and experience through relevant practical work experience.  
• A good understanding of the current challenges facing aquatic conservation primarily in the UK.
• Strong skills in analysing, visualising, and interpreting complex datasets using relevant software and programming languages (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB).
• Ability to travel to field sites across different parts of the UK, with the role based in London.
• Due to the nature of the role a full driving license is required for this role.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. 

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