Science/Engagement Intern Northern Ireland Full time (37 hours per week), although part-time applications will be considered Temporary (ideally 6 month internship, although 3 month positions will be considered) £24,242.40 per annum (pro rata if part time) 11% employer pension contribution The British Trust for Ornithology is looking for people passionate about birds to join our team in Northern Ireland on a 6 month (or 3 month) internship to learn, grow and contribute to our work to make a positive impact for birds. We are seeking to ideally fill a 6 month position, although applications for a 3 month position will be considered. We have a range of Science and Engagement projects that we are looking for support with this year. You will work closely with the BTONI team and will be line-managed by the Senior Research Ecologist for BTONI. This is an opportunity to gain valuable experience and ‘on the job’ training for those seeking a future career in this sector. The position(s) are part-funded by DAERA/NIEA. The successful applicant/s will have a strong interest in ornithology, ecology or a related subject area and be familiar with bird species commonly found in Northern Ireland. Applicants should enjoy, and be effective at, communicating with a diverse range of colleagues, the general public and other stakeholders. You will have a proven willingness to learn, be self-motivated and have good time management skills. You will need to be available either for a six month period (or three month period) during the 2025/26 financial year (ending 31 March 2026). Part time will be considered (a minimum of 2.5 days per week). This position is based in Northern Ireland and you will work from the BTONI office in Lisburn. A driving licence valid in the UK is desirable for this role. Please note that, if you are the successful candidate, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time. You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under 'supporting documents' in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role in more detail. WHAT DOES BTO DO? BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone. Our values We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering. Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it? WHAT WE OFFER £24,242.40 per annum (pro rata if part time) Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time or short-term posts). Paid 'journey days' (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying. Life assurance (four times salary) 11% employer pension contribution Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a number of free counselling sessions if they are needed. Enhanced sick pay Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay. Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay. Retail discounts Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (30% off) Free access to BTO training courses Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish times (where this meets business needs) Free car parking Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only. Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time Coaching and mentoring scheme Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, and our staff group creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in. Commitment to creating an inclusive environment Commitment to sustainability Closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 22nd June 2025 and Interviews will be held remotely on Wednesday 2nd July 2025. APPLICATION TASK As part of your application you will be asked to design and upload a powerpoint presentation talking about a bird species or family of bird species found in Northern Ireland and: Their preferred habitat(s) Their conservation/research priorities An idea for how BTO could support community groups to help in the monitoring or conservation of the species/family. You should include notes on what you would say about each slide when giving the presentation. If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@bto.org If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy. We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic background, you'll be guaranteed a first stage interview. In cases where we receive a very high volume of applications, we may need to limit the number of Guaranteed Interview Scheme candidates progressing to interview. Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)