Overview

About us

Our Upper Teesdale field centre in northern England is a base for research work on many aspects of upland ecology, with the primary focus being the conservation and management of upland bird populations and their habitats. Currently there are 10 staff and students based from our office in the grounds of Eggleston Hall near Barnard Castle.

We also conduct projects in the Scottish Highlands where you may be able to work periodically to assist with the monitoring of capercaillie, black grouse and mountain hares within forest, moorland and mountain ecosystems.

The position

This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a small team where you will be able to gain valuable and extensive experience working alongside staff on a variety of projects operating from the base
throughout northern England. You will primarily be involved in assisting with data collection for long- term monitoring and research projects on red and black grouse and other ground nesting birds, including grouse-parasite interactions, the ecology of breeding waders and black grouse restoration.

Specifically, activities will include:

  • Assisting with the licensed capture, handling, radio-tagging and tracking of study species,
    mainly grouse, but also colour ringing waders
  • Conducting habitat and bird surveys on heather moorland and its fringes
  • Analysing in the lab samples of strongyle worms and other parasites of red grouse
  • Measuring responses of moorland vegetation to methods of blanket bog restoration

Location: Eggleston, Barnard Castle
Salary: We offer a standard stipend of £100 per week, free accommodation, plus paid bills
Type: Temporary / Contract / Seasonal
Status: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Closing date: First come, first serve basis
Start date: As soon as possible

Skills required

  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient with Microsoft software packages, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Ability to use QGIS and/or ArcGIS
  • Ability to use initiative, plan and prioritise work, and work to deadlines
  • Ability to work effectively both in isolation and as part of the wider team
  • A full driving licence is essential
  • Willingness to provide occasional assistance with care of GWCT dogs
  • Passion of and knowledge of upland species and habitats, with some experience of or familiarity with ecological survey techniques. An appetite for outdoor fieldwork Good upland bird identification skills

What we offer

A standard stipend of £100 per week, free accommodation, plus paid bills. We have accommodation available, to be shared with our current placement student, in the form of a two-bedroom first floor flat in the nearby village of Middleton-in-Teesdale (pubs, shops etc. four miles from the office).

There may also be opportunities to increase your work experience and earnings through seasonal one day per week release to work on neighbouring estates and through routine chores around the
office of a non-academic nature.

To apply

Please send a CV and letter explaining why you are interested in the internship and arrange to have a reference sent to the contact below. Interviews and offers will be made on a first come first served basis upon receipt of applications. The internship will commence as soon as possible and is available to last until August 2020.

For more information please contact:
Sarah Grondowski
Uplands Team Support Officer
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
The Coach House, Eggleston Hall
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 0AG
Email: sgrondowski@gwct.org.uk