This Internship Scheme is supported by the Scottish Government’s Peatland ACTION Fund delivered in partnership with NatureScot and other agencies.

On behalf of the Flow Country Partnership (FCP), RSPB Scotland is hosting a six-month Peatland Restoration Internship based at RSPB Scotland Forsinard Flows nature reserve. The internship will provide a unique opportunity for an intern to gain real-world, practical peatland restoration experience within the newly designated Flow Country World Heritage Site.

We are not looking for an expert in peatlands, or even someone with a lot of experience. If you are resident in Scotland, interested in peatlands and new to the sector, changing careers or looking for a new challenge, this could be for you.

About the role

There will be a mix of formal and on the job training and mentoring in skills such a peat depth and species surveys, restoration design, contract tendering and contractor management. Much of the work will be outside on remote sites in all weathers.

The intern will be directly involved in the Flow Country Partnership design and delivery team, and will be offered the following opportunities:

• Developing core skills in surveying, planning, data management and practical peatland restoration.
• Gaining relevant qualifications and training (First Aid, GIS etc.).
• Building practical work experience within a nature conservation organisation and gaining an understanding of wider conservation efforts through proximity to staff members and attendance at relevant meetings.
• Familiarisation with specialist resources applicable to restoration projects, including NatureScot Sitelink, NatureScot Spatial Data Hub, Historic Environment Scotland etc.
• Engaging with the NatureScot Peatland Action Team, including Peatland Action Officers
• Developing an understanding of the Peatland Action and Peatland Code workstreams and funding opportunities, including their requirements and financial mechanisms.
• Increased awareness of the wider peatland sector, including current industry players, potential employers, and career pathways.
• Exposure to innovative tools and equipment, with potential to experience working with drones and drone data for survey purposes.
• Access to RSPB’s online training portal to strengthen digital literacy and transferable skills.

What we need from you:

Essential skills include:

• Proactive approach to learning and working.
• Competent IT skills.
• Experience spending time outdoors in nature.
• Clear communication skills, verbal and written.
• Planning, time management and organisational skills
• Physically fit to undertake fieldwork on blanket bog (up to 12km a day).
• Full driving licence valid for use in the UK.

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience:

• Experience with fieldwork in either academic or professional setting.
• Understanding of Health and safety practices. Especially working in remote locations with limited phone signal.
• Basic Understanding of Peatland ecosystems and hydrology.
• Confident in working alongside volunteers.

Additional information:

FCP Project locations are spread out over the Flow Country requiring some travel and longer days for field work.
There may be RSPB owned accommodation available. Rent will be charged if used.
The successful candidate will have a say in their own development, working closely with their line manager to develop the skills they need. They will also be working as part of a wider team and have the opportunity to develop interpersonal and communication skills working with work with project partners.

The role is intended to start early November 2025
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 14th October 2025.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.

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

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process, you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

For further information please contact [email protected]

No agencies please.