We’re looking for enthusiastic candidates for our internship programme at 2 exciting reserves in East Kent, based around the Canterbury and Whitstable area. This is a great opportunity to get firsthand experience of working on a nature reserve and to gain valuable insight into practical habitat management practices.

 

You will work alongside the reserve staff and a large volunteer team assisting with the work programme at both reserves. Tasks will include:

 

• Woodland management: including coppicing, ride mowing, glade cutting, site infrastructure repairs to fences, styles, gates and tracks
• Wet grassland management: including grassland mowing, control of water levels, scrub bashing, invasive species eradication
• Survey experience for wintering waders and wildfowl
• Leading groups of local volunteers on tasks around both sites
• Your own projects on the reserves
• Practical training courses

 

This scheme is designed to give you the training and experience needed for a career in conservation. We will assist your personal development and progression towards a conservation career, but it is also important that you take advantage of the opportunities that will arise during the placement to learn new skills, gain new experiences and increase your conservation knowledge.

 

You will gain experience of working in a team and supervising others, and there will be some opportunity to be involved in other aspects of reserve life such as visitor experience and events.

You will get a working knowledge of the RSPB and wider conservation issues and a dedicated mentor who will monitor your progress and help with personal development throughout the placement.

 

Requirements:

You will need to be 18 years old or over, have the ability to work in a team & a strong work ethic.

We would like you to be enthusiastic and flexible, confident and friendly.

A keen interest in wildlife and conservation is essential, and a willingness to undertake strenuous manual labour outside in all weathers.

A full driving licence is also required for this role to be able to use the off-road vehicles.

 

Commitment

This is a 3-day per week commitment over a 6 month period. The internship will begin in September 2017 and go on until the end of February 2018. Interns can stay on for a longer period of time if they feel they want to gain more experience across the seasons.

Interviews will take place July 2017

Contact:

If this sounds like the role for you or you would like more information, please make contact with assistant warden, Sam Richardson, on 07770683971 or sam.richardson@rspb.org.uk

If you are keen you can come down for a ‘taster session’ volunteer work party to meet the staff, volunteers and have a look at the reserves for yourself.

 

Regards,

 

Sam Richardson Assistant Warden – Blean Woods and Seasalter LevelsSwale Office Swale Office, John Roberts Business Park, Pean Hill, Whitstable, CT5 3BJ Tel 01227 464898 Mob 07770 683971 rspb.org.uk