At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead conservation projects and develop monitoring systems for protected areas.
- Company: Join ZSL, a global conservation charity dedicated to wildlife restoration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: International travel opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while collaborating with passionate conservationists.
- Qualifications: Experience in conservation project management and monitoring system design required.
The predicted salary is between 36750 - 43050 £ per year.
Purpose of the role
ZSL is on a mission to restore wildlife and create a world where nature thrives. Protected and conserved areas – like national parks, nature reserves, and Indigenous and community conserved areas – are at the heart of that vision. We’re seeking a Senior Technical Specialist (Protected and Conserved Areas) to support our global work strengthening how these areas are monitored and managed, ensuring they deliver lasting benefits for biodiversity, ecosystems, and people.
Based within ZSL’s Monitoring & Technology Programme, this strategic and hands-on role will work with partners at site and national levels to design and implement practical monitoring systems, and to assess and improve the effectiveness of protected and conserved area management. You’ll provide training and technical support on key tools like SMART and the METT, lead the development of learning materials and best practice guidance, and support partners to improve conservation outcomes over time through the application of adaptive management frameworks. You’ll also collaborate with global networks, including the SMART Partnership and IUCN WCPA, to evaluate, integrate, and enhance area-based conservation efforts worldwide.
The position can be based at ZSL’s Head Office in Regent’s Park, London, or in any of our registered offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nepal, the Philippines, or Thailand. Candidates must have the existing right to work in the country where they wish to be based. Salary will be aligned with ZSL’s local pay scales for that location, with the London-based salary range being £36,750 – £43,050 per annum, depending on experience.
This is a 12-month fixed-term role, 37.5 hours per week.
This role offers the opportunity for international travel, up to approximately 45 days per year, depending on project requirements.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead provision of advice, training, and technical support to staff, communities,and implementing partners in ZSL and non-ZSL supported protected and conserved areas, and to national management authorities.
- Lead development of best practice guidance, training materials, and learning content for improving management effectiveness of protected and conserved areas.
- Lead support for design, implementation, and refinement of monitoring systems in protected and conserved areas (using, e.g., SMART) and methods for assessing management effectiveness (via, e.g., the METT.)
- Contribute to the improvement and integration of tools and frameworks that support adaptive management in protected and conserved areas, with specific responsibility for leading development of methods for assessing and improving SMART effectiveness.
- Provide strategic and technical input to, and support engagement with, key PCA partnerships and fora, such as the SMART Partnership and IUCN WCPA.
About You
- Significant experience managing conservation projects, particularly in or for protected and conserved areas.
- Proven experience designing and implementing monitoring systems for conservation projects.
- Experience delivering technical training and capacity development in conservation or related fields, andauthoring technical guidance materials, training guides, best practice resources, and/or peer-reviewed publications.
- Strong understanding of conservation area monitoring platforms (e.g., SMART, EarthRanger).
- Strong understanding of methods for assessing the management effectiveness of protected and conserved areas (e.g., METT, RAPPAM, IMET)
- Strong understanding of adaptive management frameworks relevant to protected and conserved areas (e.g., Conservation Standards.)
- Experience evaluating the effectiveness of conservation interventions.
We are aiming to hold interviews week commencing Monday 4th August 2025.
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.
About Us
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.
What do we offer?
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:
- Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
- 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
- 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 eligibly 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
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.
It’s important to personalise your application to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over-reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.
#J-18808-LjbffrSenior Technical Specialist (Protected and Conserved Areas) in London employer: Zoological Society of London
ZSL is an exceptional employer for those passionate about conservation, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as flexible working arrangements, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for international travel, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on global biodiversity efforts from our vibrant offices in London or various international locations.
Contact Details:
Zoological Society of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Technical Specialist (Protected and Conserved Areas) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the conservation field, especially those involved with protected and conserved areas. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in conservation management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as SMART and METT. Consider reaching out to current users or experts in these systems to gain insights on their practical applications and effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with global networks like the SMART Partnership and IUCN WCPA. Follow their updates and participate in discussions to demonstrate your commitment to collaborative conservation efforts and to stay informed about best practices in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing conservation projects during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've designed monitoring systems or improved management effectiveness in protected areas, showcasing your hands-on expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Technical Specialist (Protected and Conserved Areas) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing conservation projects, particularly in protected and conserved areas. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in designing and implementing monitoring systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for conservation and how your background aligns with ZSL's mission. Mention your experience with tools like SMART and METT, and how you can contribute to improving management effectiveness.
Showcase Technical Skills:Clearly outline your technical skills related to conservation area monitoring platforms and adaptive management frameworks. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to achieve successful outcomes.
Highlight Training Experience:Since the role involves providing training and technical support, emphasise any experience you have in delivering training or developing educational materials. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and support others in the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London
✨Know Your Conservation Tools
Familiarise yourself with key tools like SMART and METT, as well as other conservation monitoring platforms. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects and how they can be applied to improve management effectiveness.
✨Showcase Your Training Experience
Highlight your experience in delivering technical training and capacity development. Prepare examples of training materials or guidance you've authored, and be ready to explain how you adapt your teaching style to different audiences.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to designing and implementing monitoring systems. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to adaptive management frameworks and improved conservation outcomes in previous roles.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Research ZSL's mission and values thoroughly. Be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with their vision of a world where wildlife thrives, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their conservation efforts.
