Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation Internship

Hours: 37.5 hours per week over a 7-day rota. Some weekend and evening work will be required, which you will be notified of in advance and TOIL will be granted.

An overview of what you will be doing

This internship offers hands-on experience in biodiversity and environmental conservation within a working estate. You’ll support a range of ecological monitoring and conservation activities, while also helping to engage visitors and local communities with the natural environment.

You’ll take part in fieldwork across the estate, including wildlife surveys for bats, birds, small mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates. This may involve activities such as walking transects, checking refuge sites, and monitoring water and soil quality. You’ll also support the recording and analysis of data to help track habitat health and inform conservation work.

Alongside fieldwork, you’ll contribute to desk-based tasks, including supporting environmental projects and developing strategic documentation.

Public engagement is a key part of the role. You’ll support activities at the Conservation Hub, assist with events, and work with schools and visitors to encourage understanding of biodiversity and practical ways to support it.

There will also be opportunities to work with external partners, including local farmers and conservation organisations, providing broader experience of how conservation is delivered in practice.

This internship sits within the Rothschild Foundation’s wider sustainability ambitions, supporting work to enhance biodiversity, manage natural resources responsibly, and create a resilient environment for the future.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors and has a genuine interest in biodiversity and the natural environment. You should be motivated to learn about conservation in practice and be willing to take part in hands-on fieldwork.

This role involves practical tasks in a range of conditions, so you’ll need to be adaptable, reliable, and comfortable working independently at times. A proactive approach and the ability to respond to changing situations will help you get the most from the role.

You should also be confident working with people, as public engagement is an important part of the internship. This includes supporting activities with schools, speaking with visitors, and helping to communicate key environmental messages in an accessible and engaging way.

No prior experience is required, but an interest in conservation, sustainability, or ecology will help you succeed.

Skills you will gain

• Identification and Field Survey Skills - Herpetology, Fish and Invertebrates
• Countryside Management Techniques
• Identification and Field Survey Skills – Mammals
• Photography/camera trapping
• Identification and Field Survey Skills – Ornithology
• Identification and Field Survey Skills – Mammals

Additional opportunities

You will have the exciting change to attend events and conferences such as;

• The Oxford Real Farming Conference
• Groundswell
• Local Nature Recovery Steering Committee
• Land Leisure and Tourism

As part of the Pathways Internship, you will have the opportunity to participate in a three day Intern Skills Workshop, designed to support your personal and professional development. This workshop will cover a variety of topics aimed at enhancing your skills, broadening your knowledge, and preparing you for future career opportunities.

In addition, you will be able to take part in staff and intern events throughout the year, providing valuable networking opportunities, insight into different roles across the organisation, and a chance to engage with the wider team. You will also have access to a training budget to support your learning and development, allowing you to attend relevant courses, workshops, or conferences.

To ensure you make the most of your internship experience, you will receive full one-to one mentor support from the Pathways team. Your mentor will guide you through your projects, help you set and achieve personal development goals, and offer advice and encouragement as you explore potential career pathways.

Overall, this internship is designed not only to provide hands-on experience in a heritage setting but also to support your growth, development, and future career ambitions in a structured and supportive environment.

You might be looking for a future career in…

You might be looking to begin a career in a number of roles, but primarily your focus is on creating better places for people and wildlife to exist in. Opportunities within the sustainability and biodiversity fields are varied and constantly evolving as new technology is introduced to the market and customer and business values are shifting.

After this internship, you might be interested in exploring a career in Conservation, Environmental Education, Environmental Activism, and Land/Farm Advice for example.