Intern (Practical Conservation, Part-Time, Non-Residential)

We have an exciting opportunity for anyone wanting to kickstart their career in conservation or gain more experience in this sector. Our two heathland sites are home to a whole host of rare and charismatic species that are able to thrive due to our expert management. These species include nightjar, woodlark, Dartford warbler, tree pipit, sand lizard, silver-studded blue butterfly, tiger beetle, and much much more. You will have the opportunity to help us manage these beautiful sites over the winter period, and then see the difference you’ve made in the early spring when our woodlarks start singing – this is when our first batch of surveying begins.

A training package will be included in the placement as well as mentoring from the site staff, regular one-to-ones will help provide opportunities for specialist areas of development too.

As well as getting a chance to work at some of the finest examples of heathland habitat, you will also be working closely with people who care a great deal about the habitats and wildlife here.

Overall purpose of the role: To deliver nature conservation in an extremely rare habitat for key heathland species.

Main Tasks:

• Practical habitat management including scrub maintenance, coppicing, hedgelaying, dead-hedging, heather mowing, and bare ground scrape creation.
• Reserve infrastructure monitoring and maintenance such as gates, fencing, pathways, benches, and of our hide.
• Visitor engagement, creating positive experiences for members of the public visiting the reserve.
• Machinery usage and maintenance including brushcutter and chainsaw.
• Tool maintenance and usage.
• Attending with the opportunity to lead volunteer work parties.
• Biological recording in early spring including woodlark surveys and breeding bird surveys.

What’s in it for You?

As well as expert guidance and mentoring from our site staff, you will gain the skills and experiences needed for a successful start in conservation. The essential work you carry out will also benefit both people and wildlife.

You will gain:

• An insight into how two busy reserves are managed by a small team of two staff with a large group of volunteers.
• Training and skills development including first aid, brushcutter, and chainsaw.
• A good understanding of heathland ecology.
• Development of species identification and monitoring methods.
• Development of working with others, leadership and communication skills.
• A mentor who will work with you on a personal development plan and organise suitable training during the internship.
• Access to our internal job vacancies.
• Opportunities to network and make contacts within the RSPB and other local NGOs.
• Training and support on CV writing, interview techniques and job applications.

Skills needed:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and friendly person with a passion for conservation and wildlife. Previous experience isn’t essential. Every day can be different on our reserves, plans can also change last minute so there will need to be a degree of flexibility to your approach to work. This is a very practical role, so a degree of physical fitness is also needed. There will be times when you are required to use your own initiative.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer accommodation to our part-time interns, so you must be able to travel to and from our reserves, preferably in your own car so a full, clean driving license will be required – you will also need this to drive our work vehicles. We do offer fuel expenses to help with travel. This role will be 3 days a week but there can be a degree of flexibility here to suit the successful applicant.

This role is suited for someone looking to change their career, or someone who is just starting out. If you want to work in nature conservation, internships are volunteering opportunities that are created around your needs as much as the needs of the RSPB. You will have a say in your own development, you can work with your line manager to develop the skills you need. You will learn all about how environmental charities work to save nature.

Please Note
We do ask that you meet the following requirements: 

• 18 years old or over.
• Available for 6 months.
• IT literate.
• Full and clean driving license.

Notes:

The deadline for applications is 29th September 2023. Interviews will be held on Monday 2nd October 2023.

Applying for the position

When applying for the role, please provide evidence of the following things:

Enthusiasm for the role An interest and knowledge of conservation Team player Experience of volunteering Other related experience Relevant studies Ability to commit for 6 months to this volunteer position Ability to travel to and from the placement as we cannot offer accommodation.

The RSPB is the country's largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. By volunteering your time and skills, you could make a real difference to the work of the RSPB. The RSPB’s internships are designed to offer work experience. However, doing an internship, unfortunately, does not guarantee future employment with the RSPB. Interns can apply for our paid vacancies but will need to have proven themselves in their current role before their volunteering experience will assist an application for a paid post.

If you would like any further information or to ask any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Assistant Warden on natalia.azzopardi@rspb.org.uk