At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community-led environmental initiatives and contribute to ecological services.
- Company: Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, a leader in nature recovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact for wildlife while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for wildlife and strong community engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Full Time – 35 Hours per Week
Fixed Term Contract for 6 Months
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is shaping a wilder future for our counties – protecting special places, restoring habitats and inspiring people to act for nature. As part of the UK’s fastest-growing movement for nature’s recovery, we lead with passion, integrity and bold thinking. Join a team where your work has purpose, your ideas matter, and you can help create lasting change for wildlife and people.
We are seeking a Community Ecologist Intern to join our cause. The Community Ecologist Intern will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of community-led environmental initiatives while contributing to the provision of ecological services to Team Wilder and a wide network of community-based environmental groups. Working at the intersection of conservation and community engagement, the postholder will help facilitate inclusive action that delivers meaningful ecological outcomes. This position targets individuals new to the environmental sector, with a strong emphasis on promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
What you’ll be doing:
- Through a structured and supportive environment, you’ll gain valuable, hands-on paid experience including practical ecological work such as habitat assessment and species monitoring.
- You’ll develop skills in community engagement, partnership working, and project delivery.
- You’ll have opportunities to build knowledge of conservation practices and contribute to initiatives that empower communities to take action for nature.
About you:
- You’ll have a passion to help wildlife and support our mission for nature to thrive.
- You’ll be approachable and have a friendly manner, be empathetic and culturally sensitive with communities and partners you support.
- You’ll have high standards of professional and personal integrity and values that align to the Trust’s.
Wild About Inclusion! As an inclusive employer we recognise that our workforce needs to better reflect the communities in which we live and work. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector, including people from black, Asian, minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
Disability Confident. We are proudly a Disability Confident Committed employer. The scheme is helping us recruit and retain great people to meet our workforce needs. As a member of the scheme, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. You can request adjustments including accessible formats of this vacancy by emailing recruitment@hiwwt.org.uk.
Benefits. We offer a wide range of benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave allowance, a contributory pension scheme, life assurance, learning and development support, 24-hour access to our employee assistance programme, discounted staff travel with our corporate partners Wightlink (subject to T&Cs), free parking at our sites and more.
Closing date: 01 June 2026
Interviews: 11 June 2026
To apply for the role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button at the top of the page. In the ‘supporting information’ section, you’ll need to demonstrate, with detailed examples, how you meet the job requirements using the Job Description and Person Specification below.
Community Ecologist Intern in Southampton employer: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions directly impact wildlife conservation and community engagement. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to work in one of the UK's most beautiful natural settings, this role as a Community Ecologist Intern provides meaningful experience while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Contact Details:
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Ecologist Intern in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and their projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to conservation. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experiences align with their values, especially around community engagement and inclusion. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to highlight your unique experiences that relate to the role – we love seeing what makes you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Ecologist Intern in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your love for wildlife and nature shine through in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission, so share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to conservation.
Be Specific:When you’re filling out the supporting information section, use detailed examples to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. We appreciate clarity and specificity, so don’t hold back on sharing your relevant skills and experiences!
Keep It Professional:While we love a friendly tone, make sure your application maintains a level of professionalism. Proofread for typos and ensure your language reflects the integrity and high standards we uphold at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you who are eager to join our cause.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the mission and values of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Familiarise yourself with their community-led initiatives and conservation practices. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your passion for wildlife with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Community Ecologist Intern, you'll be working closely with diverse communities. Prepare examples that highlight your empathetic approach and cultural sensitivity. Think about times when you've successfully engaged with different groups or tackled challenges in a collaborative way.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Ask about their current projects, how they measure success in community engagement, or what challenges they face in promoting equity and inclusion.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! The Trust values integrity and respect, so let your personality shine through. Share your genuine passion for nature and conservation, and don’t hesitate to express your ideas on how to empower communities. Remember, they want to see the real you!
