Overview

Research Officer £20,000 – £22,800 – 37.5 hours a week (5 shifts a week Monday – Sunday availability) Banham Zoo – Banham

Main duties and key responsibilities

  • To manage an active and dedicated research programme through co-ordinating in house research projects and supporting visiting researchers to Banham Zoo and Africa Alive
  • To manage and implement ZSEA’s animal welfare audits
  • Seek out and form strong collaborations with local and National academic institutions to further strengthen ZSEA’s research programme
  • Work closely with the Conservation department to research and evaluate conservation projects

Key Tasks

  • Oversee all ZSEA research projects, from projects undertaken by external students and academics to developing and implementing an in-house research programme that benefits the welfare of the animals in our care
  • Manage animal welfare assessments across both ZSEA Animal Management departments
  • Assist the Conservation Manager and Conservation Officers to evaluate conservation projects and assist in drawing up best practice guidelines
  • Manage data acquired through annual BioBlitz’s and provide assistance to the Conservation Manager in developing protocols for site habitat assessments and biodiversity action planning
  • Actively seek out connections and partnerships with academic institutions to further enhance the research programme
  • Assist other departments with developing research projects and evaluating programmes, such as Conservation Education and Animal Keepers who are undertaking courses with a research element
  • Ensure ZSEA is exceeding research expectations through communications with BIAZA/EAZA and the relevant committees and working groups

Qualities and Skills

  • Hold a BSc/MSc in an animal related science with experience of planning, implementing, assessing and writing research projects
  • A demonstrable understanding of animal behaviour and welfare needs with an emphasis on zoo animals
  • A passion and enthusiasm for the natural world and the role research has to play in ensuring modern zoos demonstrate their impact and value for the betterment of global biodiversity
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively under your own initiative and as part of a team, to work under pressure with a positive attitude and also to enthuse and engage others
  • Experience working with a range of external academic and conservation organisations
  • Excellent presentation skills and experience of delivering engaging presentations to a wide variety of audiences
  • Experience in using technologies suitable for the strong delivery of successful research work, with excellent written skills, and the ability to develop resources
  • Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to communicate effectively