At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community-led environmental initiatives and deliver ecological services.
- Company: Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, shaping a wilder future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and learning support.
- Other info: Inclusive employer 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.
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.
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
Community Ecologist Intern in Southampton employer: The Wildlife Trusts
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a wilder future through community engagement and conservation efforts. As a Community Ecologist Intern, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth, offering hands-on experience in ecological practices while promoting equity and inclusion. With competitive benefits, including generous leave and development opportunities, you'll be part of a passionate team making a meaningful impact on wildlife and local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Ecologist Intern in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Community Ecologist Intern role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for wildlife! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and enthusiasm for conservation. We want to see that fire in your belly for making a difference in the community and for nature.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. We love candidates who come in ready to discuss how they can contribute to our cause!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Ecologist Intern in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation right from the start. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to nature and community engagement.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and values mentioned in the job description. We want to know how you align with our mission and what unique qualities you bring to the table.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! We appreciate authenticity, so share your genuine thoughts and ideas about how you can contribute to our cause and support community-led initiatives.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wildlife Trusts
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you research the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and their mission. Understand their community-led initiatives and how they promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your passion for wildlife with their goals.
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Community Ecologist Intern, you'll be working closely with diverse communities. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with different groups in the past. Highlight your approachable nature and any experiences that demonstrate your cultural sensitivity and empathy.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Practical Skills
Think about any hands-on ecological work you've done, like habitat assessments or species monitoring. Be prepared to discuss these experiences in detail, as well as your willingness to learn and develop new skills in community engagement and project delivery.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their current projects, how they measure the impact of community initiatives, or what opportunities there are for personal development within the role. It shows you're engaged and eager to contribute.
