VOLUNTEER/ VOLUNTEER INTERN ROLE DESCRIPTION
Volunteer Role:
Department:
Location:
ZSL Contact/ Supervisor:
Purpose of Role/ Project:
Main tasks volunteer
will be asked to
undertake:
Anticipated skills and
experience that the
volunteer will bring:
Skills & Experience
Volunteer will gain:
Training Provided:
Voluntary research intern backcasting project
Institute of Zoology
Nuffield building
Monni Böhm
Utilizing species trait data in combination with environmental data from
GIS/remote sensing to produce rapid assessments of species extinction
risk, as well as carrying out expert driven backcasting of species
extinction risk – with a specific focus on reptiles (underway) and
freshwater crayfish (or molluscs - tbc).

Collect data on species traits relevant to extinction risk:
o From literature
o From GIS data
 Communicate with experts on backcasting species extinction
risk assessments;
 Carry out retrospective Red List assessments;
 Identify correlates of extinction risk in freshwater crayfish (or
molluscs – tbc);
 Assist in publications on approach/methods/outcomes of
assessments as and when applicable;
 Assisting other project staff with communication about the
project when applicable;
 an undergraduate degree or above in biology, zoology, ecology,
conservation biology or a related subject
 IT-proficient
 exceptional attention to detail
 strong research, analytical and communication skills
 ability to work independently
 knowledge of GIS and remote sensing desirable, but not
necessary
 some understanding of the IUCN Red List is desirable, but not
necessary
Dealing with large amounts of data
Doing targeted literature searches for species trait data
Analysis/representation of spatial data in GIS/R
Scientific writing
Networking with a large number of experts
GIS training
Training in application of IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria and the
IUCN Red List assessment process
Website updating
Training in R and potentially Python through joint training sessions
within the Indicators and Assessments Unit
Resources/ Uniform
Provided:
Access to PC and desk space
Access to ZSL library/British library/UCL library as required
Work Place Conditions:
Shared office with other interns and Masters students
Additional Information: