Overview

There is a fantastic voluntary internship opportunity available either full or part time with the RSPB based at our Minsmere Reserve, assisting in our curriculum linked Schools on Reserves Programme.

The RSPB Internship scheme is designed to provide the experience, training, skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in conservation by gaining a wide range of practical experience in a variety of habitats, or in the operations side of reserves. Our reserves are vital havens for a huge range of species, and special spaces for us all to get closer to nature, and we want you to be a part of our team managing these whilst you are gaining the experience to start your career in conservation.

These internships are designed to give you the training and experience needed to pursue a career in conservation. As well as providing lots of opportunities to gain first-hand experience, we will assist your personal development and progression. You will have opportunities throughout the placement to learn new skills, gain new experiences and increase your conservation knowledge, all of which will assist you in furthering your career in conservation.

We are looking for someone who has the skills to:

• Engage with visitors on the reserve to help them make the most of their visit.
• Deliver fun and exciting activities as part of our curriculum linked Schools on Reserves programme. At Minsmere, school children have the chance to experience nature first-hand and you can be part of that exciting journey of discovery!
• Work with the Visitor Experience Officers to support the delivery of events, taking responsibility for planning, delivering and evaluating at least two events.
• Assist the Learning Officer and Administrator with the school booking process.
• Organise and support school volunteers, ensuring sufficient numbers for each school booking.
• Enthuse and inspire the public to join the RSPB.
• Interpret wildlife with signs and stories so visitors feel closer to nature. Work with our events team to think creatively about how we interpret our reserve each season, such as designing seasonal trails or fliers.
• To make sure we’re doing our best to get people involved and having a great time, you will help us evaluate and monitor the people engagement and education work we do, through surveys, visitor feedback and event evaluation.
• Help the team with the day to day running of the visitor facilities

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the world of wildlife conservation and specifically how we are trying to connect young people with nature.

• We will give you the training, support and experience to build your confidence in leading teaching sessions and engaging young children with nature through hands on activities.
• You’ll gain valuable work experience, develop new skills and learn how the RSPB is saving nature.
• You will gain a breadth of experience, including project management, events organisation, publicity and promotion, working with volunteers and a chance to meet other environmental educators within the local area.

You’ll also receive:

• Training on CV writing and interview techniques
• Access to RSPB internal vacancies during your internship
• A reference on successful completion of your internship
• A dedicated mentor will monitor your progress and help with personal development throughout the internship.

It is essential that you have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for engaging all members of the public who visit the reserve. A passion for outdoor education and the ability to engage young children. You do not need to be a wildlife expert but an interest in expanding your knowledge, and commitment to the aims of the RSPB are important.

In addition, the specific requirements for the role are:

• Ability to engage a range of learners with differing needs and abilities.
• Strong work ethic.
• Being approachable, open and having a friendly personality.
• Ability to actively listen to others.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to use your initiative.
• Ability to think and work creatively.
• Ability to work flexibly.
• Good level of computer literacy.
• Organised, with attention to detail.
• Confident meeting new people and representing and promoting the reserve.
• Ability to work on own and as part of the friendly RSPB Minsmere team

You must:

• Be 18 years old or over
• Be available for 4 months or more
• Have achieved A-levels or equivalent
• Be IT literate

This role is available as a residential and non-residential opportunity. Non-residential interns are limited to a maximum of 3 days a week.

RSPB runs an inclusive volunteer internship scheme, so whether you are looking for a change of career path or if you have just graduated or finished your A Levels and looking for voluntary experience in your gap year, we welcome your application.

Application for the internship is via application form and the closing date for applications is 24th February 2019. Interviews will be held on the 8th March 2019. If you would like to apply, please get in touch and we will send you an application pack.  All the necessary training and background information will be provided and since you’ll be giving up your time, it’s only fair that we offer to reimburse your travel expenses. The RSPB is committed to reducing our carbon emissions, and as such can offer to cover the full cost of a second class return rail ticket to Darsham rail station. Alternatively, if required, we can offer personal mileage at 15p per mile up to the cost of the equivalent second-class return rail ticket. Details of how you can claim this will be given at the interview.

Our internships are designed to offer work experience. However, doing an internship does not, unfortunately, guarantee future employment with the RSPB. Interns are welcome to apply for our paid vacancies, but for obvious reasons, an intern would need to have proven themselves in their current role before their volunteering experience will assist an application for a paid post.

In line with our Safeguarding policy, all applicants are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (England and Wales).  Contact the Disclosure and Barring Service on 0870 9090811, or visit https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service for more information.

References will also be taken up.

The RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. By volunteering your time and talents you can help us increase our impact and help us save more nature.

For more information, contact:

Christopher Ford

RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve

Westleton

SAXMUNDHAM

Suffolk

IP17 3BY

Telephone:	01728 648281/648780
Fax Number:	01728 648701
Direct Dial:	01728 648088
Email:	Christopher.Ford@rspb.org.uk