Community Engagement Specialist

London’s rivers, streams, ponds and wetlands have shaped the city’s identity, economy and culture for centuries and are home to an array of key native species. Yet today many of these freshwater habitats are degraded, polluted or disconnected from the communities that once valued them. Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The London as a Wetland City project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to launch this project that will restore and celebrate natural heritage by engaging under‑represented young adults in inclusive citizen science, skills development, and hands‑on environmental action. Through youth‑led storytelling, community partnerships and practical freshwater monitoring, the project will build lasting networks of citizen scientists and help deliver London’s biodiversity and nature recovery goals.

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to support delivery of the London as a Wetland City project. The Community Engagement Specialist will be central to ensuring that the project reaches those underrepresented in current citizen science initiatives, and that diverse voices are placed at the heart of London’s freshwater heritage.

• Inspire and empower young Londoners from underrepresented communities to reconnect with their local rivers, ponds and wetlands through inclusive citizen science.
• Co‑create hands‑on environmental action and skills pathways, supporting training, accreditation and real‑world conservation experience.
• Champion equity and inclusion, embedding ZSL’s FAIRER and safeguarding principles to ensure diverse voices shape London’s freshwater future.
• Build lasting community partnerships and networks, connecting grassroots groups, NGOs and practitioners across four London boroughs.
• Amplify youth voices and celebrate impact, supporting storytelling, communications and meaningful evaluation of change.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about connecting people and nature, and who believes that conservation should be inclusive, community‑led and accessible to all. You will bring:

• Experience supporting or delivering community engagement, education or citizen science activities.
• Experience building positive relationships with diverse communities, particularly those underrepresented in the environmental sector.
• Confidence designing and facilitating participatory workshops, events or training sessions.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and the ability to apply these principles in practice.
• Clear and engaging communication skills, with the ability to work with a range of audiences and partners.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your time effectively.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and online collaboration tools.
• A commitment to safeguarding and creating safe, respectful spaces for everyone involved in the project.

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. A strong understanding of the communities this project will collaborate with, particularly within the focal boroughs of Hounslow, Hillingdon, Ealing or Harrow, would bring valuable insight and strengthen the project’s local impact.

This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

• 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 (increasing with milestone anniversaries).
• Access to ZSL’s staff Equality Networks – Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience.
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
• Cycle2Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
• Season ticket loan – we offer an interest free loan for eligible London‑based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.

We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge.