Conservation Education Officer in Colchester

We are seeking a Conservation Education Officer to develop an education and learning programme for teachers, young people, and communities along the Greater Thames Estuary. The overall aim of the Sharks Connect project is to engage young people and communities along the Greater Thames Estuary (GTE) with marine conservation to improve management and aid recovery of socially, culturally, and ecologically important shark and ray species in the GTE. Young people will be an integral part of the project, directly leading marine conservation research to reveal new insights into the movements and habitat use of sharks and rays, which are key species for the natural heritage of the GTE.

This is a 12 month fixed-term position, working 37.5 hours per week, supporting the development phase of the Sharks Connect the Thames project. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience living and/or working in the focus area for this role, Essex and along the Greater Thames Estuary between Thurrock and Clacton.

• Designing Impactful Learning Experiences: Lead the development of a learning programme for schools, focusing on nature connectedness, knowledge of local heritage, and ocean literacy. This will include identifying target schools, establishing baseline data, co-designing programmes with teachers and students, and trialling key elements of the programme.
• Building Pathways into STEM Careers: Develop a careers programme linking schools, colleges, and the University of Essex, with a focus on STEM careers connected to the Great Thames Estuary. This will include supporting the creation of internship opportunities at the University.
• Community Engagement and Project Planning Support: Work closely with the Conservation Manager to engage with fishers and coastal communities across the Great Thames Estuary, while also supporting the Project Manager, Conservation Manager, and Education Lead in developing an Activity Plan for the project’s delivery phase.
• Data Collection and Impact Measurement: Assist the Conservation Manager in developing methods to collect catch records of shark and ray species in the Great Thames Estuary, with a focus on youth-led and community-led delivery. In parallel, work with the Education Lead and MEL specialist to identify impact measures and KPIs for learning programmes.
• Project Compliance and Reporting Support: Assist the team in producing funding reports, including budget reporting, and support the preparation and submission of permits, ethical reviews, and licences required to deliver the project.
• Youth-Led Conservation and Knowledge Sharing: Work with the Education Lead, Young Wilders, young people, and the Conservation Manager to co-develop youth-led conservation activities monitoring sharks and rays in the Great Thames Estuary, aligned with the wider shark heritage programme, and disseminate project findings through popular science articles and social media content (e.g., blogs).
• Partnership Development and Collaboration: Work with internal and external project partners to build strong professional networks and create future collaborative opportunities.

• Previous experience working in the education sector or experience in science communication with schools and/or community groups, along with experience delivering learning programmes in both formal and informal settings to learners of varying ages (primary, secondary, post-16) and abilities.
• Experience in project planning and managing multi-stakeholder projects, delivering to tight deadlines and within budget constraints.
• Educated to undergraduate degree level in biology, conservation, or a related subject area, or hold an equivalent qualification, or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience through relevant practical work experience.
• Previous experience working with the Heritage Fund, or in developing education and community activity programmes as part of a large grant application.
• Strong collaborative working skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver project outcomes, alongside experience of managing competing priorities and delegating effectively.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel and PowerPoint (or equivalent software), combined with confident and professional written and verbal communication skills to engage audiences of all ages.
• Proven understanding of how to evaluate and report the impact of learning activities, along with knowledge of current education issues, initiatives, and safeguarding practices.
• A full UK driving licence, and with access to your own vehicle.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK and an enhanced DBS check with Child Barring. 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.

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.

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Purpose driven work - join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Flexible working - talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
• Holidays - 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays.