Environmental internships open for applications

An eight-week paid internship programme for Islanders to carry out environmental research in Jersey is now open for applications.

The Early Career Scientists Internship Programme is being delivered through a partnership between the Government of Jersey and Earthwatch Europe. It is for students aged 18 and over, studying for a degree in science, geography, environment agriculture or a related field.

There are three placements on offer for this programme’s fifth and final year. The successful applicants will be working within Infrastructure, Housing, and Environment’s (IHE) Natural Environment directorate over the summer. 

The deadline for applications is Monday 17 April. Applicants should choose their preferred project and provide evidence on why they think they’d be successful in carrying out the project. The projects are: 

• Monitoring visitor pressure across two Jersey Ecological Sites of Special Interest 
• Developing an education and awareness campaign (‘Every Drop Counts’) to increase water saving and prevent wasted water 
• Investigate the distribution of Lxodes Ricinus (sheep tick) and the extent of infection with Lyme Borealis in Jersey 
• Investigate the benefits of flowering conservation cover crops for native insect pollinators 

The programme also includes participation in an online Earthwatch Community Science Camp. Earthwatch is a non-profit organisation that educates and empowers people to help conserve the earth’s resources. 

Skills Jersey are available for support and advice on completing applications. They have also been sharing the opportunity with local students. 

For more information visit: Earthwatch internship (gov.je) or to apply visit: Job details (gov.je)

Environment Manager in Biodiversity, Nina Cornish, said: “This is an incredible internship opportunity for a student who is concerned about our natural environment and resources, looking to become a conservation scientist, and studying a degree in a related field. 

“The three successful applicants will be having a positive impact on the Island by delivering an awareness campaign or providing us with important information that contributes to our local and national data. They will work within the IHE Department who are a key delivery agent in protecting and enhancing Jersey’s natural and built environment, and in protecting the habitats and species which make the Island special.”