Job opportunities

Assistant Conservation Project Officer

The role

To effectively support and implement activities of the conservation department under direction of the Experienced Invertebrate Keeper and Conservation Project Manger. Deliver targeted conservation project work in support of conservation department activities while developing understanding of conservation science, and conservation management skills. All in support of RZSS’s vision and mission.

This role is a 6-month fixed term role.  With an expected start date of 3 June 2024

As this role run in collaboration with CNPA there will be an opportunity to spend time with CNPA during this contract.

Some of the things you’ll do:

• Contribute to and support a range of conservation projects by providing, for example: assistance with invertebrate conservation breeding programmes, onsite and offsite invertebrate surveying, and monitoring reintroduced populations of native invertebrate species.
• Work with other members of the conservation team to undertake operational delivery of some field-based actions.
• Help to ensure animal welfare, husbandry and management within invertebrate conservation breeding programmes is of the highest standard, taking into account relevant legislation and best practice animal management.
• Interact with and work in collaboration with employees from partner organisations, maintaining good relations and representing RZSS in a professional manner at all times.
• Contribute to project reporting, including preparing data (both quantitative and observational) and assisting with authoring report sections.

What we’re looking for: 

• Educated to degree-level in relevant subject or equivalent qualification with experience in ecology, biology or environment related discipline.
• Full UK driving license
• Good standard of written English and ability to write up technical information relating to a wide range of conservation projects.
• Data handling and analysis skills, for example conservation breeding programme data. 
• Proven track record in providing first-class service delivery, including responding to internal and external queries.

What you’ll get in return:

• Starting salary between £21,785 - £22,395 (offer based on experience)*
• 37.5hr working week (5 out of 7 days – occasional weekend work may be required within those 5 days and at your line manager’s discretion)
• 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Access to a healthcare plan
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other zoos across the UK.

*Salary increase from 1st April 2024)

Shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as quickly as possible.

Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/ desirable criteria.