Oyster Restoration Network Coordinator (Part-Time / 3 Year Fixed Term Contract)

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals from going extinct. With a new strategy about to launch in June 2018, ZSL is just about to embark on a transformational change programme which will see strategic objectives being set for our 200 year anniversary in 2026.

The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) is part of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Portsmouth. The IMS is an internationally known marine station providing high quality marine research and teaching, and has remained at the forefront of marine biology for over 70 years.

Natural reefs of oysters are globally imperilled, with an estimated 85% loss of habitat worldwide. Furthermore, those populations remaining are generally considered in poor condition (Baggett et al. 2014i). The European native oyster species (Ostrea edulis) is characterised by low growth rate and poor recruitment (the number of oysters surviving to maturity) success making it a particularly vulnerable species. O. edulis oyster populations have declined by more than 95% since the mid-1800s due to historic over-harvesting, disease, competition from invasive species and predators. Oyster beds are now the most threatened marine habitat in Europe.

Oyster beds provide a number of key ecosystem services, such as improving water clarity and quality and enhancing juvenile fish recruitment. Healthy oyster beds are hugely productive, with a rich biodiversity of associated species, and have a positive effect on the health of the entire ecosystem, diversifying the landscape and providing refuge to juvenile fish and invertebrates. They also provide important fish foraging grounds, which support commercially important species such as sand-smelt and seabass, as well as a range of other species.

IMS, ZSL and our partners have a shared vision of the UK seas having self-sustaining populations of native oyster that provide ecosystem services, sustainable fisheries and increased biodiversity whilst recognising the cultural importance of oysters. To achieve this, it is important that, from the outset, we share knowledge and promote best practice in the fields of scientific research, practical conservation measures and harnessing industry knowledge.

Role Profile

ZSL and IMS have received the financial support of the John Ellerman Foundation to establish the first UK Network for the Restoration of our Native Oyster. The IMS/ZSL partnership is best placed to deliver this as we represent the interface of science, conservation and conservation management. As such ZSL is looking for a UK Oyster Restoration Network Coordinator to facilitate a collaborative approach to native oyster restoration in the UK and the sharing of best-practice in this new field of marine conservation and raising the profile of this important area of work.

Jointly reporting to the Estuaries & Wetlands, Marine & Freshwater Conservation Programme Manager and Principle Lecturer at the Institute of Marine Science, the post will contribute to all aspects of the Programme including assisting with administration, financial management, project development and oversight, fundraising, support to overseas programme staff, and communications. The post holder will also be responsible for the supervision of volunteers, and/or interns and research assistants if directly working as part of this project. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder is responsible for creating and delivering the project implementation plans, ensuring that all activities meet the project aims and objectives. This will include establishing and maintaining network website and knowledge sharing platforms, preparation and publication of technical and policy reports, supporting peer-reviewed papers, establishing volunteering opportunities, preparation and reviewing of marine policy papers.
• The post holder will organise project meetings and workshops, prepare materials and take and produce minutes /meeting reports.
• The post holder will work with project officers and programme managers as appropriate, to manage and maintain relationships with all project partners.
• The post holder is responsible for reporting on finances and project progress to project donors, ensuring that donor expectations are met.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience of working as part of a science/conservation/policy network and of delivering marine conservation or research projects.
• A degree or higher qualification in an appropriate field.
• A good grasp of relevant conservation issues in the UK and in the marine/estuarine environment globally.
• An ability to communicate with energy and enthusiasm regarding specific projects.
• Computer literacy in MS office packages, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint and also GIS.
• Confidence in social / written media.
• An ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience in managing relationships with partners and donors is desirable.
• Knowledge of the specific issues the project is addressing is desirable.

N.B: A high degree of flexibility is essential in situations where planned tasks are superseded by unscheduled events that require priority.

Please note: This is a part-time (3 days a week), 3 year fixed-term contract and will be based either at the Institute of Marine Science at the University of Portsmouth, Ferry Road, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY or the Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Applicants will be able to express a preference when applying.

London based salary = £16,432 (FTE: £27,387) p.a. 

Portsmouth based salary = £14,205 (FTE: £23,676) p.a.

Benefit Package:

This role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 7%, complimentary zoo tickets and more.