Purpose of the role

Are you ready to kickstart your career in sustainability with a mission-driven organisation making a global impact?

As our Energy & Sustainability Apprentice, you'll play a vital role in helping ZSL measure, analyse, and reduce emissions and operational costs, especially those linked to Scope 3. From driving day-to-day green initiatives to collaborating with internal teams, external suppliers, and partners, you’ll gain hands-on experience tackling real-world environmental challenges. This exciting opportunity is perfect for someone eager to make a difference while working towards a Level 3 qualification in Energy Management, all within the inspiring setting of a world-leading conservation charity.

Key responsibilities

• Data Collection and Analysis:Assist in gathering and analysing data related to energy consumption, emissions, including procurement, transportation, and waste management.Maintain accurate records of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contribute to reporting requirements.
• Supply Chain Engagement:Collaborate with suppliers and contractors to collect and validate sustainability data.Supporting efforts to assess and improve the environmental performance of suppliers.
• Sustainability Projects:Support initiatives to reduce Scope 3 emissions, such as waste reduction, sustainable procurement, and resource efficiency, by helping implement environmentally friendly practices across zoo operations.
• Stakeholder Communication:Assist in preparing materials to communicate energy & sustainability efforts to staff, visitors, and stakeholders. Participating in workshops and training sessions to promote sustainable practices internally.
• Compliance and Standards:Stay updated on relevant regulations and standards related to sustainability and GHG emissions.

About You

• A genuine enthusiasm for sustainability and are motivated to support impactful, practical solutions.
• You hold GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English, essential for the communication and data handling aspects of the role.
• Strong interpersonal skills, you're confident liaising with a range of internal teams and external suppliers, adapting your communication style as needed.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and are comfortable using these tools to analyse data and present information clearly.
• Deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and values-led culture, actively supporting ZSL’s commitment to safeguarding, equality, and diversity. You embody ZSL’s values: collaborative, inspiring, inclusive, innovative, impactful, and ethical.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.

About Us

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.

What do we offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
• 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
• 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
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages