Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Conservation Intern)

We have two exciting opportunities 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 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 placements as well as mentoring from the site staff, regular one-to-ones will help provide opportunities for specialist areas of development too. Free accommodation and bills (including Wi-Fi) are also covered by the RSPB in this placement, unfortunately we cannot cover food costs at this time.

As well as getting a chance to work at some of the finest examples of heathland habitat restoration, 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 and to gain relevant skills and experiences to kickstart a career in conservation.

Main Tasks:

• Practical heathland habitat management for key species such as: Nightjar, woodlark and field cricket.
• 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.
• Working within a team.
• Leading volunteer work parties
• Biological recording in early spring including woodlark surveys, weather permitting.
• Animal husbandry for conservation grazing livestock including: Belted Galloway cattle and Konik Ponies.

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 three busy reserves are managed by a small team and volunteers.
• Training and skills development including outdoor first aid, brushcutter, and chainsaw qualifications.
• 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.
• Conservation grazing experience.
• Experience of how to be responsible for your own workload which contributes to the daily running of the reserves.

Previous experience isn't essential but these are some qualities that may help you with your application:

• Enthusiastic and friendly.
• Passion for conservation and wildlife.
• A degree of flexibility to your approach to work.
• This is a very practical role, so a degree of physical fitness is also needed.
• Good use of your own initiative.

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 and 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, and locate the areas in which you are most passionate about.

This is a developmental role. However, we do ask that you meet the following essential requirements:

• 18 years old or over.
• Available for a minimum of 6 months.
• IT literate.
• Full and clean driving license.
• Eligible to live and work in the UK.

PLEASE NOTE

• These will be full-time roles, 9am-5pm, 5 days a week.
• This is a voluntary role and is therefore unpaid. However, the training, accommodation, and travel to and from reserves is all covered by the RSPB.
• The deadline for applications is 15th of May 2024.
• Aimed start date of the 1st of July 2024 for a total of 6 months with the option to extend.

Applying for the position

When applying for the role, please provide evidence of the following things as well as attaching your CV:

• Enthusiasm for the role.
• An interest and/or knowledge of conservation.
• Team player.
• Any prior experience of volunteering.
• Other related experience.
• Relevant studies or qualifications.
• Ability to commit for a minimum of 6 months to this volunteer position.

Thank you for taking the time to read all of the above. 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.

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