Post:
TCV Natural Talent Traineeship - Invasive Non Native Species (INNS)
Bursary:
£12,510.60
Location:
Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR), National Museums
Northern Ireland, Belfast
Mentors:
Damian McFerran
Duration:
12 months
Start date:
25 January 2016
Closing date for Applications: 23 October 2015
Thank you for your interest in the Natural Talent UK traineeship scheme. This scheme is
funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
How to apply
Full details on how to apply and application
http://www.tcv.org.uk/jobs/latest-job-vacancies.
forms
can
be
found
at
Please read through this traineeship description thoroughly, completing an application form
(available on request or on-line and to download) showing how you meet the criteria
outlined in the Skills & Experience section and any other information you feel is relevant.
Project background
Natural Talent UK aims to increase expertise across the whole of the UK to protect our less
well known species and create awareness of the habitats that supports them. The
programme responds to identified skills shortages in the conservation sector by providing
trainees with the opportunity to develop an expertise in a specific taxonomic group, habitat
or a mixture of both. Natural Talent UK will also increase the capacity of volunteers and
communities to play an active role in surveying, mapping and taking an action to increase
the biodiversity value of their local places.
CEDaR has, through the support of Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and a
number of local groups and societies, rolled-out and/or partnered in a variety of different
initiatives. This placement involves learning survey and management techniques relating to
a range of INNS that impact a variety of habitats. Through such partnerships, it is suggested
that the trainee should be trained in a broad range of taxa and habitat specialisms. The
candidate will work with a team of specialists to become an important element of several
current recording initiatives throughout Northern Ireland. This project feeds into policy on
the impact of INNS on a variety of habitats. They will develop a comprehensive
understanding of key areas of study within this arena and the need for future work and its
importance. The trainee will learn a variety of skills initially focusing on the published
literature and current understanding of species impacts. However, there will be
opportunities to widen this scope through our contacts with other individuals and
groups/societies.
The trainee will learn fieldwork techniques and surveying methods, including various species
groups within a number of important habitats. The trainee will learn how to identify a
number of taxonomic groups to species level by working in association with the local
network of records and the various projects that are currently operational.
They will go into the field with local experts and learn field craft. Opportunity to visit a
variety of study sites will be encouraged and supported. The trainee will attend various
training workshop as part of the 2016 CEDaR training programme. It is also anticipated that,
within the allocated timescale, the successful applicant will have an opportunity to develop a
bespoke project.
Training
During the traineeship, you will learn and apply the following skills:
 Species identification skills. Identification of INNS
 Learn how to manage data and records databases
 Field surveying and recording techniques
 Data analysis, report writing and IT skills in GIS
 Creation of management plans for the removal/control of INNS
 Community engagement techniques
 Delivering Citizen Science in communities
 Taxonomy and systematics
 Ecological surveying, analysis and monitoring
 Habitat restoration and management
 Monitoring and surveillance of the delivery of management plans. Practical experience
of surveying and management techniques used to monitor effects of restoration techniques.
 Understanding of Biosecurity planning
 Landscape-scale approaches, recognising the importance of ecological networks and
connectivity.
Person specification
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications necessary although candidates A passion and enthusiasm for protecting and
will have to demonstrate knowledge of some aspect of conserving our natural environment
the natural environment and their enthusiasm for the
traineeship
Experience:
General field surveying techniques
Some experience of working in practical conservation,
particularly woodland environments
Applicants will have some knowledge, background and
understanding of INNS issues to understand what the
traineeship will involve and thus deliver this traineeship
to a high standard
Skills :
Applicants must have a good working knowledge of
basic IT software packages (e.g. MS Office).
Applicants must have excellent communication and
interpersonal skills
Applicants must be willing to undertake various tasks
relevant to INNS management including project
management, volunteer management, data processing,
surveying and fieldwork.
Personal Qualities:
Applicants will have to demonstrate that they have the
dedication and commitment to work on their own
initiative to find external collaborators, network with
other experts and complete the traineeship to a high
standard.
Be willing to undertake various tasks including
outreach, data processing and fieldwork
His role will require a level of fitness to allow the
trainee to carry out any physical activity relating to the
traineeship.
Other:
Although some natural history knowledge is preferable,
motivation, enthusiasm, excellent communication skills
and drive are the most important qualities in a
potential applicant.
The trainee will be expected to assist current and future
planned activities that relate to the control and
management of INNS.
An understanding of current legislation across the UK
A full, clean driving license
The ability to work as part of a team player or
as an individual, depending on the type of
work carried out throughout the traineeship
General field surveying
Confidence in enthusing, encouraging and
supporting communities to take part in
education and Citizen Science activities