Field Technician Badger Project

Purpose of the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the front line of wildlife conservation, supporting the delivery of badger vaccination and associated sampling across sites throughout Cornwall. This is a genuinely hands‑on field role, offering the opportunity to work outdoors in diverse landscapes while contributing directly to the Cornwall Badger Project.

Working across multiple field locations, you will play a vital role in gathering data and supporting practical conservation action that makes a real difference on the ground. This position directly supports ZSL’s strategic priorities around habitat restoration and long‑term wildlife recovery, helping to drive positive, lasting change for nature. Your work will contribute to protecting wildlife and strengthening ecosystems, ensuring the environment can thrive for generations to come.

This position is offered as a 6‑month fixed‑term contract, working 35 hours per week.

• Landholder Communication: Liaise with farmers and other landholders to arrange land access.
• Site Surveys: Conduct surveys to assess badger activity in designated areas.
• Trap Deployment & Fieldwork: Assist with deploying badger traps and support trapping, vaccination, and sampling efforts, ensuring all activities align with project goals, licences, and best practice guidelines.
• Data Management: Assist with accurate and timely data entry to support project documentation.

• Experience of biological fieldwork, preferably in agricultural environments.
• A full clean driving licence, with experience in off‑road driving being an advantage.
• Comfortable with early starts and flexible working hours, with a positive and adaptable approach to varying schedules.
• Excellent people skills for liaising effectively with landholders, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail when recording and managing data.

This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of under‑represented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

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.

• Purpose‑driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.
• 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 (increasing with milestone anniversaries).
• Access to ZSL’s staff Equality Networks – Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience.
• 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.
• Cycle2
  
  Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
• Season ticket loan – we offer an interest‑free…