We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with strong local knowledge of the Essex coast, particularly the West Mersea area. The role combines fieldwork, regular site visits and local meetings across Essex with home working (a laptop will be provided), alongside at least one day per week at ZSL’s Regent’s Park offices, where the wider Transforming the Thames team and Seascape Programme are based. There may also be occasional travel to sites along the Kent coastline. Applicants should be based in Essex or the surrounding area and be able to travel regularly to field sites, meetings and Regent’s Park.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with local actors and interested parties e.g., oystermen and fishers, other water users, regulators, academics, other eNGOs.
- Organisation of meetings such as ENORI meetings, local community drop-in sessions, and external stakeholder workshops; this may include delivery of presentations to a range of external audiences.
- Collate and review published literature, guidance, and data; distil and interpret relevant information and utilise this to inform restoration plans.
- Plan and prepare for restoration activities e.g., Marine Licence applications and other permissions, and working with landowners, contractors and suppliers to source restoration materials.
- Management of field surveys and restoration activities e.g., coupelle (oyster spat collector) deployment and retrieval, deployment of shell and stone (cultch) onto the seabed.
- Management and analysis of data collected from field surveys and preparation of written reports.
About You
- BSc degree in Marine Sciences or a related field, an equivalent qualification, or relevant practical experience that demonstrates an equivalent level of knowledge and capability.
- Experience with and confidence in building relationships with stakeholders, such as oystermen, fishers and other users of the local coastal and marine environment.
- Experience with and confidence in using relevant software for mapping and modelling, such as QGIS.
- Excellent communication and inter-personal skills (verbal and written) to communicate effectively with the rest of the team, and to collaborate with a range of external stakeholders, deliver presentations and write reports.
- Good attention to detail and the ability to thoroughly research, review and distil key technical learnings to be shared with wider project team and other stakeholders. Proficient in taking those key learnings to determine next steps.
- Strong analytical skills with proven ability in experimental design, and data collection, management and analysis.
- A full driving licence and access to own vehicle.
Application deadline: August 17, 2026
Salary range: £29,173.00 – £31,941 per annum
