Intern (Assistant Warden Intern - Gloucestershire)

We are looking for two volunteer interns to join our team in Gloucestershire to help conserve and manage two exciting woodland reserves and the species they support. You will assist the reserve team in habitat management work, species surveying, visitor engagement and more. As well as getting the chance to work with people who care about wildlife and the environment, you will get training and mentoring, and lots of first-hand experience in the day-to-day management of a woodland.

The placement is for 2 days a week for a minimum of 6 months, with the option of staying for 12 months. A wider range of training opportunities will be available if you can commit to 12 months.

We are a small team working on two mature woodland RSPB reserves; Nagshead is situated in the heart of the Forest of Dean and we manage it in partnership with Forestry England and Highnam Woods is in the Severn Vale on the outskirts of Gloucester. Despite both being woodland sites, the reserves are very different, and we manage them accordingly to benefit our key wildlife species.

Main tasks:

• Learning on the job about the practical habitat management of woodlands, including scrub management, ride management, tree felling, coppicing and glade creation
• Regular checks and maintenance of reserve infrastructure such as fencing, paths, hides and benches, all of which need regular upkeep
• Being responsible for high visitor standards, making sure the reserves are looking and functioning at their best for our visitors
• Upkeep of the workshop/store areas and visitor centre, maintenance of the machines and hand tools
• Attending regular volunteer work parties with an expectation to lead some volunteer days
• Biological recording through spring/summer, including bird point count surveys, key bird species territory mapping, bird nest box monitoring, dragonfly, butterfly, reptile and flora surveys
• Supporting the Warden with a variety of admin jobs, including updating risk assessments, emergency action plans, COSHH records, mapping and biological data entry, recording visitor numbers and logging volunteer work hours
• Working some weekend days to help run the Nagshead visitor centre or assisting with events and guided walks.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a small team on two woodland nature reserves, delivering aims for the benefit of wildlife and people.

You will gain:

• An insight into how nature reserves function and how your work fits into the overall management
• Training and development of skills necessary for a job in nature conservation
• A good understanding of woodland ecology
• Development of species identification and monitoring methods
• Development of working with others, leadership and communication skills
• A mentor who you will work with you on a personal development plan and organise suitable training during the internship
• Access to our internal intranet
• Opportunities to make other contacts within the RSPB
• Training and support on CV writing, interview techniques and job applications
• A reference on the successful completion of your internship

The skills you need:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and friendly person who likes a challenge! An interest in conservation is a must. Previous conservation volunteering experience isn’t essential, but every day can be different on reserves, so you will need to be flexible in your approach to your work. You must be happy to work outside in all weathers, doing what can be challenging physical work. There will be times when you are required to work by yourself through your own initiative. A willingness to work the occasional weekend and take time off in lieu is expected.

You must be able to get to and from Gloucestershire reserves office in Parkend 2 days a week for the duration of your internship as we are unfortunately unable to offer onsite accommodation. We do offer travel expenses at 26p/mile up to a 25-mile radius away from the placement (which will be based at the Gloucestershire reserves office in Parkend). Wednesdays will be one of the working days required, the other day can be flexible but this will be discussed at the interview stage.

This role is suited to 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 and start to figure out what area of work is most suited to you.

However, we do ask that you meet the following requirements:

• 18 years old or over
• Available for 6 months or more
• Hold a full UK driving licence
• Have basic IT skills, communication skills and planning and organisational skills

Applying for the position

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

• Enthusiasm for the role and a desire to learn more about woodland management and conservation
• An interest and knowledge of conservation, we'd love to hear what you're passionate about
• Examples of both working as part of a team and under your own initiative
• Any previous volunteering experience you may have
• Other related experience
• Relevant studies
• Ability to commit for a minimum of 6 months to this volunteer position
• Please specify that you have a driving licence and you're able to travel to the placement

Notes:

If you would like any further information or to ask any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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.