Conservation Fellow in Chester

We are Chester Zoo

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo, and we prevent extinction.

The Role

We have an exciting vacancy for a Conservation Fellow in quantitative plant ecology to join our Science Department on a full-time 3 year fixed-term basis. The successful candidate be based within our International Centre for Zoo Science, UK, and will work closely with our rare plant biobanking partner San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, USA, the role will include travel to California as and when required.

Principle Accountabilities

Lead on a prioritised research project focused on developing species distribution models that integrate botanical collections, long-term population monitoring, and environmental datasets to identify where conservation actions, including seed collection, habitat protection, and translocation, will have the greatest impact for safeguarding rare flora by working collaboratively both internally and externally. Ensure scientific outputs and findings of the research are disseminated to key stakeholders through various outlets including peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed publications, dissemination at suitable external meetings to influence and advise external professional committees/boards. Deliver scientific training focused on quantitative plant ecology to support the zoo’s Conservation Training Academy, providing comprehensive and innovative learning and training for the conservationists of the future.

The Project:

The Fellow will apply models to evaluate conservation action priorities on two scales: the flora of California and the rare plants included in the Management Strategic Plan of San Diego County. In this effort, the Fellow will work with multiple local, regional, and international collaborative networks to apply insights gained from the rare plants in California to inform conservation action and future conservation guidelines. In developing the project, the Fellow will work closely with an interdisciplinary team from Chester Zoo, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Plant Conservation Team, and IUCN Centre for Species Survival-Biodiversity Banking, and other researchers. The Fellow will explore opportunities to apply the methods developed to other regions, for example Chile’s Atacama Desert, as outlined in the Action Plan for the Integrated Conservation of the Genus Copiapoa, one of Chester Zoo’s flagship plant conservation projects, and other Chester Zoo partnered plant projects as needed. The Fellow will be encouraged to lead peer-reviewed publications and present findings at scientific conferences.

You will:
• Oversee assigned research projects focused on species distribution models of rare plant species.
• Work with collaborators across various institutions to understand species and conservation practitioner needs and limitations to both procure data and develop a conservation tool.
• Use existing occurrences and collection data to build species distribution models of rare plants to both assess collection quality of currently biobanked material and guide biobanking priorities for species conservation.
• Build and maintain databases for different users, to meet both research needs and as public outreach.
• Identify how insights from the study can inform and strengthen international guidelines on genetic diversity conservation, conservation translocation, and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.

This post-doctoral fellowship is funded by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) and is part of the Chester Zoo Conservation Fellows programme. In collaboration with SDZWA a lead supervisory team will comprise members of the Science Department at Chester Zoo, Dr Sue Walker (Head of Science), Dr Leah Williams (Lead Conservation Scientist: Population Biology) and Dr Jacqui Morrison (Senior Conservation Scientist: Population Biology), and at SDZWA Dr Katie Heineman (Conservation Program Leader-Biodiversity Banking) and Christa Horn (Senior Conservation Program Manager-Plant Conservation).

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes…

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

The Package

• Fixed-term, 3 year contract
• 40 hours per week Salary of £40,430
• 33 days annual leave (pro-rata)
• Opportunity for some flexible / hybrid working
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to healthcare plan
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions

Our Requirements

The successful candidate will have:
• A PhD in Ecology, Botany, Mathematical Biology, or similar field of study or equivalent experience.
• High proficiency with advanced data analysis skills and experience working with large existing data sets
• Advanced knowledge of Species Distribution Modelling, with experience developing reproducible workflows for SDM model creation
• Experience integrating biodiversity and environmental data from a variety of sources, and knowledge of translating research insights to management guidelines.
• Be familiar with full spectrum conservation strategies for rare plants including seed collection, translocation, and habitat management
• Demonstrated ability to innovate, lead, resource and deliver projects on time and to a high standard
• Ability to establish credibility, command respect and influence at all levels
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely in verbal presentations and written communications, including scientific writing and media communications to stakeholders at all levels
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications
• Proven ability to work in and contribute to a team environment
• Have knowledge of zoos and their conservation function

Shortlisting of applicants and interviews may take place while the job is live and we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.