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:

1.     Non-native species clearance from high priority conservation sites.

2.    Monitoring nesting turtle populations through track counts and post-hatching nest excavations.

3.     Returning stranded turtles to the ocean.

4.     Assisting with maintenance of the National Park and Nature Reserves.

5.     Leading educational tours for members of the public.

6.     Assisting with the long-term monitoring of seabird populations.

7.     Assisting with abundance monitoring of Ascension Island’s near-endemic land crabs.

8.     Assisting with endemic plant nursery and habitat restoration work.

9.     Organising and leading litter clearing events in protected areas.

10. Assisting with marine research to meet the objectives of the Marine Protected Area.

11. 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