Paid internship with GFT


11th Jun 2024
by Jamie Ribbens

A paid internship is available from early July 2024 until early January to work with Galloway Fisheries Trust on the Solway Invasive Non Native Species INNS Control and Knowledge programme Phase 2.

Intern spraying Giant hogweed on the Urr
Intern spraying Giant hogweed on the Urr

INNS are a significant threat to native biodiversity, ecosystems and local economies by outcompeting and shading native species, increasing the risk of erosion to riverbanks as they die back in the winter thus increasing the risk of flooding.  INNS such as Giant hogweed can also have direct negative impacts to our health due to phototoxic sap causing skin burns.

Galloway Fisheries Trust is a conservation charity working on fish populations, their habitats and water quality across the freshwaters of Galloway.  The successful applicant will be involved in delivering INNS control, work with schools and communities to increase knowledge of INNS.

Key items of work that the intern will assist with delivering include:

Assist the Project Officer in strategically controlling priority plant INNS.

Create and deliver an education project to increase awareness and knowledge of INNS in schools.

Assist in organising events such as local agricultural shows and other public events. Intern will also have the opportunity to lead on some of these events.

Help create links within local communities and recruiting volunteers.

Assist in writing management plans including mapping and survey data.

Assist in the delivery of INNS scientific survey programmes.

Foster and develop a close working relationship with key stakeholders and interested parties in your key responsibility areas.

Assist in the overall dissemination of GFT work to a wider audience particularly using social media.

The candidate must be fit, motivated, hardworking and willing to work outdoors during all weather conditions.  There may be a requirement to undertake some lone working from time to time.  A full valid driving licence is desirable.  The position will be based at Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway.

This full time, fixed term intern post is a wonderful opportunity for a recent graduate with a conservation degree or someone looking to enrol in such studies to gain a range of valuable work experience.  It is a funding condition that the intern must be a young person aged up to and including 25 years old residing in Dumfries and Galloway.

Salary will be £420 a week.  Closing date for applications is 5:00pm on 21st June 2024.

Face to face interviews plan to be held on the 28th June 2024. 

To apply please send a CV and covering letter addressed to Tracy Starks at tracy@gallowayfisheriestrust.org or Fisheries House, Station Industrial Estate, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, DG8 6ND

This post is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Kilgallioch Wind Farm Community Fund and administered by Foundation Scotland.

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