Residential Voluntary Intern (RSPB Old Hall Marshes)

Please read the How to apply section below before applying

Deadline extended for applications until 26th March 2023

We are looking for an individual for an internship role starting in April 2023. We have a six month placement at RSPB Old Hall Marshes. Accommodation 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.

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

• Surveying seabirds on the estuary by boat

• 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 key 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

Accommodation is provided free of charge at a rural mid-terraced cottage, located approximately three quarters of a mile from the reserve. 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 but not essential. 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 build skills and to help people gain the experience necessary to help take steps towards a career, primarily in nature 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.

How to apply

To apply or ask questions about the role please click the buttons on the right hand-side of this page.

The online application form has a question in the About you section asking why you have applied for the role. Please complete this like you would a covering letter, for example letting us know a bit about you and why you would make a good candidate.

Deadline for applications is 26th March 2023. Interviews will be held online via Microsoft Teams.