Conservation Intern (2)

JOB TITLE: Conservation Intern

TEAM: Conservation and Fisheries Directorate

REPORTS TO: Conservation Team Leader and Nursery Officer

JOB PURPOSE:

The British Overseas Territory of Ascension Island hosts a unique assemblage of animals and plants in a dramatic volcanic landscape. It is home to one of the world’s largest nesting populations of green turtles, over a million seabirds, plant species found nowhere else on earth and a marine environment that abounds with fish. The Ascension Island Government Conservation and Fisheries Directorate are responsible for protecting and managing this biodiversity.

MAIN DUTIES:

Conservation Interns will be involved with all aspects of the conservation programme on Ascension Island. Duties will include:

• Non-native species clearance from high priority conservation sites.
• Monitoring nesting turtle populations through track counts and post-hatching nest excavations.
• Returning stranded turtles to the ocean.
• Assisting with maintenance of the National Park and Nature Reserves.
• Leading educational tours for members of the public.
• Assisting with the long-term monitoring of seabird populations.
• Assisting with abundance monitoring of Ascension Island’s near-endemic land crabs.
• Assisting with endemic plant nursery and habitat restoration work.
• Organising and leading litter clearing events in protected areas.
• Assisting with marine research to meet the objectives of the Marine Protected Area.
• Producing education and outreach material.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Health and Safety: Carrying out all work in a safe and responsible manner, including fieldwork in hazardous and remote locations, and some evening/night time work.

Continuous Development: Continuous development of knowledge through involvement in scientific programmes.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Essential:

• The ability to work well as part of a team and be mature and reliable.
• A genuine desire to learn more about and to gain experience of practical conservation work.
• Be physically fit and able to carry out strenuous physical activity in high temperatures.
• A willingness to work unconventional hours, including early mornings, some evenings and weekends.
• A clean, valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a vehicle up to 3500kg gross weight (eg. Land Rover, CombiVan, etc.)

Desirable:

• Degree in the biological or environmental sciences.
• Good customer service skills and experience in leading tours or outreach activities for members of the public including children
• An ability to produce articles for social media.
• Experience or qualification in power tools such as brushcutter or chainsaw
• Off-road driving experience