Youth Engagement Intern - Scotland

Youth Engagement Intern - Scotland

Central Belt of Scotland (a mix of remote and in-person work, as well as working in our office in Edinburgh)

About us

The Marine Conservation Society is a leading UK environmental charity dedicated to protecting our ocean.

For more than 40 years, we have been defending crucial habitats, regenerating vital ecosystems and inspiring volunteers to tackle the nature and climate emergency.

We drive political and social change through people-powered action. We unite communities, businesses, and governments and champion science-based solutions for cleaner, healthier seas for people and planet.

The Benefits

• National Living Wage (£12.71 per hour)
• 6.5 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Sick pay to support you if you’re ill
• Great work-life balance through flexible and, in many cases, remote working
• Employee assistance programme for you and the people who live with you
• A paid day for you to volunteer to support another charity of your choice

About you

You don't need a CV full of experience. You don’t need formal marine conservation experience or to have your career mapped out. What you need is enthusiasm, reliability and a keenness to learn.

We have been generously funded to offer a 12-week internship for someone who’s curious, motivated, and ready to get stuck in.

What you'll actually be doing

You'll be out at beach cleans and youth events, running online sessions, helping plan a residential, and creating content alongside our communications team. You'll also be part of the Youth Ocean Network - a growing community of young people across Scotland working on ocean issues.

It's “hands-on” from the start. You'll shadow experienced staff, gradually take on more, and contribute your own ideas along the way.

What you'll come away with

• Real experience in engagement, events and communications
• Skills in facilitation, planning and working with communities
• Contacts across the conservation sector - from policy to fundraising to science
• A first aid certificate (if you don't already have one)
• A clearer sense of your strengths and where that might lead you next

Who we're looking for

Someone enthusiastic and reliable, who communicates well and works well with others. You might have some volunteering or community experience - or you might not. What matters more is that you show up, take it seriously, and bring your own perspective.

We particularly want to hear from people who don't usually see themselves in environmental roles. The sector needs more diverse voices, not fewer.

Based in Scotland | 12 weeks | Open to all backgrounds

No formal qualifications required.

We reserve the right to close this role when we have sufficient candidates - if you want to apply - do not delay! We will close all applications at midnight on 18 April 2026.