Conservation Interns

**TITLE: Conservation Intern**

**TEAM**:Conservation and Fisheries Directorate

**REPORTS TO**: Conservation Team Leader and Endemic Plant 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.

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**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 nest 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 tagging studies of Ascension Island’s near-endemic land crabs.
- Assisting with endemic plant cultivation and 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.

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**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 full driving licence with at least one year’s experience of driving manual transmission vehicles.

**Desirable**:

- Degree in the biological or environmental sciences.
- Boat handling qualifications.
- Good customer service skills and an ability to produce articles for social media.

**BENEFITS**

AIG will provide:

- One return flight to Ascension Island from UK or St Helena and reasonable travel expenses within the UK to RAF Brize Norton Airport if required.
- Rent free accommodation including water and electricity allowances in a shared bungalow with other project staff (private bedroom and shared bathroom, kitchen communal areas).
- A contribution of £160 per month towards subsistence for each intern.
- Necessary medical & dental care while in Ascension.

This Job Description indicates only the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list.

The Ascension Island Government (AIG) reserves the right to amend this Job Description from time to time, according to operational needs. Any changes will be discussed with you and confirmed in writing. Please note that you share with AIG the responsibility for making suggestions to alter the scope of your duties and improve the effectiveness of your post.

Please sign, print your name, and date below to indicate your acceptance of this Job Description and to acknowledge that you will be representing Ascension Island Government Conservation Department on-island and thus should act in an exemplary manner both when carrying out work related-tasks and also when residing in government accommodation.

Updated: June 2024

**Signature**: _____________**

**Name**: _______________ **Date**: ____________