Intern (RSPB Old Hall Marshes- Conservation Intern 6 months)

Why we want you

We are looking for an individual to join our volunteer conservation internship programme in March 2022. We have a six month placement at RSPB Old Hall Marshes. Accommodation (sole occupancy) including household bills will be provided free of charge.

Old Hall Marshes is an internationally important wet grassland site hosting a wealth of wildlife in varied habitats. We want you to be involved in all aspects of reserve management and to play a part in improving how the reserves are managed for the diverse range of wildlife they support.

Please see the information for applicants section below before applying.

What’s in it for you?

The reserve work programme will provide a wide range of opportunities for you to develop your knowledge and skills in conservation. You will gain experience of working on ancient grazing marsh, reedbed, saline lagoon and estuarine habitats. The work is very varied and will allow you to gain a wealth of experience necessary for pursuing a career in nature conservation, this may include:

• Conducting breeding bird surveys including wader (lapwing, redshank, avocet) and water-bird (pochard, tufted, grebes, etc) on lowland wet grassland. Other species surveyed include turtle dove, marsh harrier and common tern.

• Breeding lapwing monitoring which includes finding nests, regularly visiting nests to track progress, using trail cameras to capture predation and chick counting

• Checking and maintaining anti-predator electric fences that protect breeding waders

• Training in and use of GIS software to produce maps and input biological data

• Monitoring predators of wet grassland birds by conducting surveys and checking trail cameras and mink rafts

• Attending formal accredited training as required by the role which may include quad bike, 4x4 off-road driving and brushcutter

• Conducting monthly Wetland Bird Surveys counts throughout the year

• Contributing to the Essex Little Tern Group by surveying seabirds on the estuary by boat and advocacy work to raise awareness of little terns to other estuary users

• Gaining experience of working around livestock and by checking Konik ponies

• Working as part of team to complete practical estate work such as fencing

• Use and maintenance of a range of machinery

• Learning about reserve management topics such as cross compliance, agri-environment schemes, hydrology and management planning

Throughout your placement you will have a dedicated mentor who will support your career development through regular one to one meetings. These will be conducted by RSPB staff with knowledge of what you need to do to get a career in conservation. Many previous volunteers have been successful in gained paid employment with the RSPB and other conservation organisations.

Accommodation is provided free of charge at a rural mid-terraced cottage, located approximately three quarters of a mile from the reserve. Due to the Covid pandemic you will live alone at the property whilst government restrictions apply. The cottage has electricity, broadband, central heating and shower/bath. Bedding can be provided if required. There is a TV, DVD player, washing machine, iron, cooker, microwave, fridge and freezer. The reserve is quite isolated so your own car would be useful. Bicycles are also available to use. Local facilities include a corner shop, post office, bakers, butchers and doctors approximately 1.5 miles in Tollesbury. The nearest supermarkets are located in Tiptree (5 miles) and Maldon (7 miles).

The skills you need

The aim of our internships is to help build skills and to help people gain the experience necessary to help take steps towards a career, primarily in conservation. We are looking for individuals who are interested in saving nature and with the energy to learn. We are not looking for experts in conservation, or even people with lots of experience, if you are new to the sector, changing careers or looking for a new challenge, this could be for you. You must be prepared to undertake physical work outside in all weathers. You must be over 18 and have a full clean driving licence.

Information for applicants

To apply please complete the online application form and email your CV to Neil Lincoln neil.lincoln@rspb.org.uk

The online application form has a section to complete that asks why you have applied for this role. You can either complete this or send a covering letter along with your CV explaining why you wish to apply for this internship to the email address above.

In the online application form there are two questions about working with under 18's. This is not relevant for this role so please enter Not Applicable in the text boxes.

Deadline for applications is 30th January 2022. Interview will be held virtually around mid-February. The start date for the role will be around mid-March 2022.