Overview

Why we want you…..

We are a small team working on two mature woodland RSPB reserves; Nagshead is situated in the heart of the Forest of Dean 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.

The intern is a vital part of the wardening team, helping to implement our reserve management plans. This will involve:

  • 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 Assistant 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 at busy times, meeting and greeting visitors at Nagshead visitor centre

Schedule

2 days a week.  9am to 5.15pm
Starting November 2019 for 6 months

What’s in it for you…

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 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 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.

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. A driving license would be an advantage. 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 for the duration of your internship as we are unfortunately unable to offer onsite accommodation.

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

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

  • 18 years old or over
  • Available for 6 months or more
  • Achieved A-levels or equivalent
  • IT literate

Contact

Lewis.Thomson@rspb.org.uk
01594 562852

RSPB Gloucestershire Office
Puffins
Parkend
LYDNEY
Gloucestershire
GL15 4JA

Notes

The deadline for applications is 26 September 2019. To find out more information and for an application pack, please contact us at the details above. Interviews will be held on 4 October 2019. All the training necessary 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 (up to 25 miles). The placement will begin with a 4-week trial period and a 3-month review depending on the length of the placement. You must be able to get to and from Gloucestershire reserves for the duration of your internship as we are unfortunately unable to offer onsite accommodation.

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.