Conservation Project Officer - Project Support

Role overview

This full-time, fixed-term post sits within the conservation team at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and supports the Saving Wildcats partnership project at Edinburgh Zoo. The appointment is expected to run until 31 March 2029.

RZSS is a wildlife conservation charity focused on protecting nature and supporting species recovery. The organisation’s zoos act as places where people can connect with wildlife, and Saving Wildcats is highlighted as the UK’s first wildcat reintroduction initiative, combining captive breeding, release preparation and threat reduction.

The post offers an opportunity to contribute to a major conservation partnership while also supporting wider department activity such as community events, field monitoring, ex-situ management and invertebrate-related projects.

Core duties

• Provide broad project administration and coordination support for Saving Wildcats, including weekly and monthly report collation, arranging internal and external meetings, planning outreach activities and assisting with field monitoring.
• Help prepare financial and technical documentation for the project.
• Carry out financial administration in coordination with the Finance Department, making sure work is completed to agreed deadlines and standards.
• Support field-based operational work with colleagues across the conservation team.
• Assist the partnership through meeting scheduling, minute-taking, payment processing, communication distribution, report sharing, website content support, and review of outgoing communications.
• Act as a project representative at external meetings and public-facing events when needed or when asked by the line manager.
• Handle key project data with strong accuracy and care, including paperwork connected to wildcat releases.
• Coordinate volunteers and students involved in the project.
• Manage ordering of materials and stock control in line with project procedures, budgets and agreed standards.

What the employer is looking for

• A degree or equivalent practical experience in ecology, biology, sociology, environment, or a related social or environmental science field.
• Working knowledge of conservation issues linked to species recovery.
• Good awareness of conservation priorities in Scotland and internationally.
• Comfort using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong fieldwork skills, including the ability to organise field activities effectively.
• Experience with Adobe software such as Photoshop and InDesign.
• Practical experience with animal conservation methods, related equipment and data management, such as animal handling or camera trapping.

Contract and working arrangements

This is a paid, full-time contract based onsite in London, England, United Kingdom, though the role information also references Edinburgh Zoo and Scotland. The standard working pattern is 37.5 hours per week, with occasional evening or weekend work required.

The salary starts at £25,867 to £26,514 per year depending on experience, with progression possible up to £28,832 per year.

Closing date for applications: 12 July 2026.

Contact: Amanda Hamilton, hrteam@rzss.org.uk.

Benefits

• 34 days of annual leave.
• Retail and catering discounts.
• Access to a healthcare plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24-hour counselling and support covering health, legal, financial, wellbeing and family topics.
• Employer pension contribution.
• Staff membership offering free and discounted entry for the employee, family and friends to Edinburgh Zoo, Highland Wildlife Park and other zoos across the UK.

Additional information

Selection is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of the right to work in the UK and a Basic Disclosure check or PVG check.

RZSS states that it is an equal opportunities employer and recruits in line with the Equality Act 2010, with a commitment to building a diverse workforce.

Applications are encouraged as soon as possible.