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Job description

About us:

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. Almost 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 Biodiversity Officer to join our Projects and Partnerships team on a permanent contract. This is a part time role working 22.5 hours over 3 days. The salary for this position is £18,392.40 per annum.

What will this role involve?

· To assist the Projects and Partnerships Manager and Head of Campaigns and Programmes in the implementation of Wild Planet Trust conservation programmes.

· To facilitate and document the development, resourcing, implementation and evaluation of conservation activities in Wild Planet Trust reserves, zoo grounds and surrounding areas in Devon and Cornwall, guided by recognised standards for the practice of conservation.

· To develop a programme of ecological monitoring and research to support these conservation projects and provide a scientific evidence base for management decisions.

· To coordinate, and where appropriate conduct, ecological survey work, particularly for rare plant communities, to document biodiversity at Wild Planet Trust sites.

· To participate in the delivery of Higher and Further Education through teaching, workshops and student supervision.

· To work closely with staff from other teams and departments to support the management of Primley, Clennon and Slapton Ley nature reserves.

· To represent the Wild Planet Trust to external stakeholders (e.g. conservation organisations and university departments).

· Manage health and safety requirements and ensure team members follow the company safe systems of work and other relevant policies and procedures.

· To carry out any further duties as required by the Projects and Partnerships Manager, Head of Campaigns and Programmes or members of the Chief Officer Group.

What skills and experience are required?

Qualifications:

· Postgraduate degree in a relevant subject (essential)

· Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management: Associate Membership or above (desirable)

Essential:

· Good general knowledge of conservation in the UK, including woodland and grassland ecology

· Experience of working in biodiversity conservation with significant responsibility for field activities

· Demonstrable research experience in ecology or a related field

· Knowledge and experience of ecological survey methods, including at least basic plant identification skills

· Good general understanding of ecological statistics and experimental design

· Excellent team worker with ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

· Fluency in written and spoken English

· Ability to travel within the UK for meetings or site visits

Desirable:

· Experience of implementing the Open standards of Conservation Practice and/or Miradi software

· Stakeholder facilitation and community engagement experience

· Demonstrable success at grant writing or other fund raising

· Publication of peer-reviewed scientific papers

· Ability to write engaging text for non-technical audiences (e.g. newspaper articles, blogging)

· Experience of using spatial and statistical software, e.g. QGIS, R

· An existing network of conservation professionals within SW England and beyond

Benefits of joining our team include:

• 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)

• Company sick pay

• Branded uniform provided (as required)

• Relevant internal and external training provided

• Free entry to our zoos for staff and their 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

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.

Please include a covering letter and CV when applying for this role

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 22.5 per week

Salary: £18,392.40 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Wellness programme

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Weekend availability

Work Location: One location

Application deadline: 27/01/2023