Conservation Strategy Intern

Hours of work: Flexible - Part-time (28 hours per week)

Type of contract: 12 months fixed term contract

Based at: The Lodge, Littlemore, Oxford (flexibility and hybrid working available)

Salary Rank: 7

BACKGROUND

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (also known as BBOWT) was formed in 1959 and has a vision of an environment rich in wildlife for everyone, valued by all. We aim to lead the way to nature’s recovery through innovative land management, and connect people with nature to improve their wellbeing. We work in partnership and through collaborative projects with local communities, businesses, land owners and local authorities. In the three counties BBOWT owns or manages 90 nature reserves covering 2,500 hectares. We have more than 50,000 members, employ over 130 professional staff, and have active support from more than 1,350 volunteers. Each year round 12,000 schoolchildren visit our education centres. BBOWT has an annual turnover of over £5 million and receives income from membership subscriptions, grants and donations.  BBOWT is one of 47 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK, each is a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.  

INTERNSHIP PURPOSE

The Conservation Strategy Internship is an exciting opportunity that may suit a recent graduate, or someone with equivalent skills and knowledge, wishing to take on an exciting development role and gain core conservation work experience. You will be part of the Conservation Strategy Directorate team supporting nature’s recovery across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. You will support the delivery of projects and initiatives, such as our policy work around the OxCam Arc, local planning and development work, and will help to develop new landscape recovery projects. Through this internship you will learn a diverse array of valuable skills, techniques and practices that are vital for working in the sector. You’ll be encouraged and supported to attend training courses in subjects or activities of interest to you and will be working with skilled and talented colleagues across the Conservation Strategy Directorate who will make sure you gain the most from your time with us.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Carrying out research to support the Trust’s campaigns

• Working with the Planning, Policy and Advocacy team reviewing planning applications for impact on wildlife, and evaluating developers BNG metrics assessments for proposed developments

• Work with the Landscape Recovery team to assist with conducting initial research to develop new conservation project ideas

• Assist with preparing case studies for existing projects to attract new funding 

• Help organise stakeholder workshops

• Create appropriate campaigning and presentation materials and literature and ensure they are used strategically to further BBOWT’s aims

REPORTING LINE

The post holder reports to the Head of Planning, Policy and Advocacy.

BUDGET

No budget held

STAFF MANAGEMENT

This post has no line reports

BENEFITS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

• Increase your knowledge of local wildlife and their associated habitats

• Be part of a team that truly cares about the environment and supporting nature’s recovery

• Develop your understanding of campaigning and public affairs strategies

• Comprehensive internal programme of relevant training courses, and opportunities to attend external training courses

• Learn about the planning system and its impact on nature

• Develop strong IT skills, including online tools such as Arc GIS and Magic map

• Gain skills and experience needed for employment in the conservation sector (e.g., project management, teamwork, and addressing local conservation planning and policy issues)

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• A high level of dedication and enthusiasm and open to learning new skill 

• Good organisation skills

• Ability to work well in a team and self-directed 

• Reliable and determined to finish tasks 

• Degree or equivalent level of educational understanding of nature conservation or another relevant environmental discipline 

• A knowledge of the ecology, conservation management and policy of UK habitats and wildlife 

• Willingness and ability to demonstrate BBOWT’s behaviours of Connect, Grow, Lead by Example, Positivity and Conscious Inclusion