*Apply here: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NTNPlacementApplication22

Thank you for your interest in this New to Nature placement. New to Nature is an exciting programme of paid work placements in nature-focused roles. This is one of 70 roles that will be created across the UK to encourage young and diverse talent into the Natural Environment sector.

We’re particularly interested in receiving applications from young people (aged 18-25) who are from ethnically diverse backgrounds, who are living with a disability or are from low-income households.

You’ll get paid a good wage from a placement that helps the environment, learn loads of skills to boost your CV, and get access to a Youth Employment Coach to help you plan your future career. There’ll also be opportunities to learn about potential careers in the natural environment, and (should you wish to) connect with the other young people working in New to Nature roles across the country. This is a unique opportunity to try something new, and to take a first step on a career path where you can make a real difference. The natural environment needs you! We hope you will join us on this exciting journey!

About the Role

Engaging with people through our reserves is of critical importance to RSPB NI and being accessible to all is part of our strategy. Working with our Operations and Engagement teams you will help us develop more accessible approaches to our programmes and visitor sites, with particular focus on Belfast Harbour Reserve and Belfast Window on Wildlife (Belfast WOW).

Visitors to Belfast WOW enjoy panoramic views of the Lough and the birds and wildlife which call the reserve home from the comfort of the visitor centre. The visitor centre also offers a community room available for hire, a tea and coffee station and a small kids' corner to keep little ones entertained. Belfast WOW has two hides that offer great views of nature, constructed from shipping containers to tie in with their natural surroundings. 

Working at the Belfast WOW visitor centre and with our expert partners you will help us to assess, identify and reduce barriers and improve access to the site, in particular for those living with neuro-diverse needs. You will:

• Experience working within a wildlife-rich visitor centre, outdoors with reserve staff and with our education team connecting young people to nature at Belfast WOW and in the local community Identify improvements to the experience of visiting and volunteering at Belfast WOW visitor's centre and out on the reserve for those living with neurodiverse needs
• Identify improvements to RSPB NI programmes to make them more appropriate for those living with neurodiverse needs / minimise barriers to RSPB environmental programmes for students
• Identify good practice and develop case studies to improve our ways of working
• Identify ways RSPB can support young people living with neurodiverse needs work towards careers in conservation

To Include:

• Work experience alongside the education team in settings that provide for young people with different neurodiversity needs including autistic spectrum disorders and Asperger's Syndrome
• Working with the community and visitor experience team at Belfast WOW supporting community events and visits to the centre
• Developing recommendations and good practice case studies for adjustment to our programmes and reducing barriers/identifying improvements at Belfast WOW.

Person Specification:

• Experience of neurodiversity eg understanding of the challenges and barriers experienced specifically by neurodiverse people
• Excellent knowledge of neurodiversity and an understanding of how thinking differently can impact individuals
• Able to work with individuals and groups
• Able to communicate with others in person and/or in writing
• Able to constructively challenge/question the way things work
• Ability to prioritise and complete work independently
• Ability to make recommendations on improvements in writing or in person
• Ability to assess programmes and experiences and review for barriers
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office programmes or similar
• A basic knowledge and keen interest in Biology and Geography.

Additional Information

This is a Fixed-Term (12 months) role for 35 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We expect to conduct interviews in person or by video call the week beginning 13 March 2023.

If you have any questions about the role or interview process please contact us at: jess.mcvicar@rspb.org.uk 

*APPLICATION PROCESS

You can apply for this placement via the following link: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NTNPlacementApplication22

This is hosted by Groundwork UK who will check the suitability of applicants, before passing the application on to the placement organisation, who will shortlist applicants for an informal interview process.

Please ensure you carefully select the correct role from the drop-down list, to ensure your details are passed to the correct placement organisation.

If you have any questions about the application form, contact Groundwork UK at: newtonature@groundwork.org.uk

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.