Job opportunities

Marine Engagement Assistant

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in south west England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.

Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also a botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Marine Engagement Assistant to join our Projects & Partnerships team on a grant funded fixed term contract for six months. This is a part time role working 30 hours over 4 days, working hours will vary over a 7 day rota, including weekends. The salary for this role is £18,142.80 per annum.

What will this role involve?

You will Coordinate and deliver community engagement events as part of the Save Our Seagrass Project and communicate with volunteers, general public, marine users and zoo visitors, including delivery of talks and events. You will compile and analyse data from seagrass surveys and mooring monitoring and assist with stakeholder engagement and the development of local business initiatives for seagrass support. You will provide audio and visual content for project-related social media posts as well as produce basic data presentations and written reports for project evaluation and funder requirements. You will assist with the development and delivery of the wider Torbay Marine Conservation Programme.

What skills and experience are required?

The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree in Geography or the biological sciences and demonstrate an enthusiasm and knowledge of marine conservation issues. They should be familiar with the use of common social media platforms and a willingness to feature in online video content. Good marine species identification skills is essential and a basic plant and invertebrate identification skills are a bonus. They should also be familiar with Excel and statistical software for ecological data analysis. Experience of coordinating volunteer activities, working in a conservation environment and a driving licence are desirable but not essential.

Benefits of joining our team include:

• 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Branded uniform provided (as required)
• Relevant internal and external training provided
• Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family
• Complimentary tickets
• Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
• Free staff parking
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Headspace Premium App
• Employee Discounts Platform

Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period for this role. The role may therefore be filled prior to the closing date.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.