Job opportunities

Technical Officer - Restoring the Thamescape

Purpose of the role:

Since the early 2000s, the Estuaries and Wetlands team at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) have been working with partners and volunteers to drastically improve the biodiversity of the Greater Thames Estuary. As part of this work, we have a dedicated coastal habitat restoration team working towards recovery of intertidal seagrass, saltmarsh and native oyster habitat in this area, known as the Restoring the Thamescape project. This role will focus on the oyster side of this work.

The Restoring the Thamescape team have started to map extant populations of Ostrea edulis and build a picture of the current state of this habitat in the Greater Thames Estuary. We are looking for a dedicated and self-motivated Technical Officer to further develop this work and, with partners and stakeholders, produce an action plan towards the recovery of Ostrea edulis in the Greater Thames Estuary. This role will also work closely with the rest of the Restoring the Thamescape team.

This position is offered as a 10-month fixed-term contract, working 37.5 hours per week.

The team work at the ZSL offices based at Regent’s Park, with occasional home working (a laptop will be provided), and regular visits to the north Kent coastline where our field sites are located. The successful candidate must live in or be willing to move close to London and/or Kent. There may also be occasional travel to the Essex coastline.

Key responsibilities:  

• Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local oystermen, fishers, water users, regulators, academics, and other eNGOs, to broaden partnerships and incorporate key interests.
• Analyse and Apply Data: Review and synthesise published literature, guidance, and data to extract relevant insights and inform the next steps in project development.
• Map and Model Key Datasets: Utilise mapping and modelling techniques to analyse relevant datasets, including oyster population data, seabed and substrate information, temperature variations, and environmental pressures.
• Identify and Address Knowledge Gaps: Pinpoint information gaps and needs, addressing them through desk-based research, stakeholder engagement, and the design of targeted surveys.
• Manage Field Surveys: Oversee the planning and execution of field surveys, such as coupelle (oyster spat collector) deployment and retrieval, ensuring all logistics and necessary licences or permissions are secured.
• Develop the Oyster Recovery Plan: Lead the preparation of a comprehensive written Oyster Recovery Plan for the Greater Thames Estuary, drawing on research findings, stakeholder input, and field data.

About You:

• A BSc degree in marine sciences or a related subject, or an equivalent qualification. Alternatively, candidates can demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and expertise through relevant practical work experience.
• Experience with and confidence in building relationships with local stakeholders, such as oystermen, fishers and other users of the local coastal and marine environment.
• Experience of leading and managing fieldwork.
• 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.
• Proven ability to work independently, take ownership of tasks, and problem solve.
• 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.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.