Project Officer – ZSL Seascape Programme (Oysters)

Purpose of the role

The ZSL Seascape Programme are recruiting for a Project Officer to support native oyster recovery efforts in Essex waters as part of the Essex Native Oyster Restoration Initiative (ENORI) and Transforming the Thames. The Project Officer would champion local engagement, work closely with community members, partners and other stakeholders, and lead delivery of practical oyster restoration efforts.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with strong local knowledge of the Essex coast, particularly the West Mersea area. The role combines fieldwork, regular site visits and local meetings across Essex with home working (a laptop will be provided), alongside at least one day per week at ZSL’s Regent’s Park offices, where the wider Transforming the Thames team and Seascape Programme are based. There may also be occasional travel to sites along the Kent coastline. Applicants should be based in Essex or the surrounding area and be able to travel regularly to field sites, meetings and Regent’s Park.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with local actors and interested parties e.g., oystermen and fishers, other water users, regulators, academics, other eNGOs.
• Organisation of meetings such as ENORI meetings, local community drop-in sessions, and external stakeholder workshops; this may include delivery of presentations to a range of external audiences.
• Collate and review published literature, guidance, and data; distil and interpret relevant information and utilise this to inform restoration plans.
• Plan and prepare for restoration activities e.g., Marine Licence applications and other permissions, and working with landowners, contractors and suppliers to source restoration materials.
• Management of field surveys and restoration activities e.g., coupelle (oyster spat collector) deployment and retrieval, deployment of shell and stone (cultch) onto the seabed.
• Management and analysis of data collected from field surveys and preparation of written reports.

About You

• BSc degree in Marine Sciences or a related field, an equivalent qualification, or relevant practical experience that demonstrates an equivalent level of knowledge and capability.
• Experience with and confidence in building relationships with stakeholders, such as oystermen, fishers and other users of the local coastal and marine environment.
• Experience with and confidence in using relevant software for mapping and modelling, such as QGIS.
• 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.
• 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.
• Strong analytical skills with proven ability in experimental design, and data collection, management and analysis.
• A full driving licence and access to own vehicle.

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.

About Us

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?

Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working options
• 25 days’ annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Access to our staff Equality Networks
• Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
• Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)

You can find the full details of our benefits in the attached Benefits Guide.

We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.

If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at – [email protected]