Post Title: PLACE Community Internship
Location: Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Offices Kirroughtree
Responsible to: Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Coordinator
Salary: £16.25k/pa pro rata
Duration: 8 weeks – July / August 2018

View as PDF – PLACE in the Biosphere Interns Role Description

Context

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere was designated in July 2012 when it was recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature. One of only six Biospheres in the UK, it was the first in Scotland and joins an international family of over 669 Biospheres worldwide.

Covering 5268 sq/km of SW Scotland the UNESCO Biosphere designation is recognition of the fantastic array of landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage and learning opportunities that the region offers for communities, businesses and visitors to experience and celebrate in a sustainable way.

The Biosphere designation brings no new rules or regulations but rather encourages us to work together to create a better future for people and nature.

The Biosphere also brings a unique opportunity to brand and market the businesses and communities of SW Scotland under the international banner of being a UNESCO Biosphere in a way that makes us stand out from the rest of the crowd!
http://www.gsabiosphere.org.uk/

Place in the Biosphere

“PLACE (People Land Art Culture Environment) in the Biosphere” is a new project developed by the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Dumfries and Galloway Council, South Ayrshire Council, Southern Uplands Partnership and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.

PLACE in the Biosphere will run across three contrasting landscapes within the UNESCO Biosphere: the Borgue Peninsula; the Wigtownshire Moors; and the Stinchar Valley. They cover two local authority areas and were selected due to their distinctive landscape character and the desire of the nine local communities to engage more with their local natural and cultural heritage.

Through PLACE, we hope people will gain greater understanding of the cultural and natural assets of their local landscape within the Biosphere; the elements that make it special; the features that make it distinctive; their economic, social and ecosystem value; and the potential for future landscape change. As a result, we hope people will be more engaged and have a heightened sense of pride in their local environment leaving them better equipped to take part in decision making across their area. The knowledge they gain will also open up opportunities for those that wish, to promote their locality as destinations within a UNESCO Biosphere potentially bringing with it new sustainable economic development opportunities.

Delivery of PLACE in the Biosphere will be led primarily by a team of two Project Officers supported by a steering group comprising Biosphere and community representative. Each Summer two locally recruited 8 week paid intern placements will work alongside the project officers helping in delivery of the PLACE project.

The Role

We are looking for two confident, outgoing individuals who will be able to support the Project officers.

You’ll need to have an understanding and interest in both the challenges that isolated rural communities face but also the attractions that living in such locations can provide.

You should have a proven interest and understanding in the natural and / or cultural heritage of south west Scotland and will be interested in finding creative ways of bringing it alive to people of all ages, backgrounds and interests.

We hope you’ll also be aware of the international UNESCO Biosphere status that we have in the region.

You’ll need to be used to working both on your own and also as part of a team.

Logistics

The Interns will be employed and managed by Southern Uplands Partnership on behalf of the Biosphere Partnership. The main Project Office will be at the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Offices at Kirroughtree.

The Interns will need to have access to their own transport for work, for which mileage will be paid.

Terms and conditions

Whilst you don’t have to be a graduate we do need you to be over 18 years old.

You will also need to have access to your own transport and will be able to reclaim work mileage at a rate of 45p per mile.

In return you will accrue 4.1 days paid leave over the 8 week contract duration.

Contract and notice

This is a fixed term contract for 8 weeks.

One weeks’ notice in writing is required.

Application Process

To apply we’d like you to send us a copy of your CV detailing your education and work experience.

We’d then like you to summarise on one side of A4 the skills, interests and experiences that you personally can bring to the project. These might be hobbies or volunteering activities you do in your spare time; you may have an extensive familiarity and understanding of one of the landscapes;
it may be interests that you have developed through your studies or could be through contact with a local person who has really inspired you.

On the other side we’d like you to detail for us what you would gain by being given an opportunity to work with us as part of the team. How it might help you in the future, what are your future career aspirations, how would this internship help you get a foot on the ladder?

There are no right or wrong answers but remember we want people who are able to enthuse others about their natural and cultural environment.

We’d also like you to give us the contact details of two referees who are not related to you one of whom should know you from either a work, educational or volunteering.

Please save your submission as one PDF file including your CV and referees titled;
“Your Name” Intern Application 2018

Closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 28th May 2018.

Interviews will be the Wednesday 6th June 2018.

Application to be e-mailed to
Ed Forrest – ed@sup.org.uk

Person Specification for PLACE Community Internship role

Knowledge, Skills and Aptitude
Essential

• Good communication skills, both written and oral
• Interest in community engagement techniques
• Interest in rural development issues
• Understanding of the importance of sustainability
• Motivated and able to work under pressure
• Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
• Good Organisational skills
• Good Presentational skills
• Good creative skills
• Willing to work some unsocial hours

Desirable

• Good knowledge of the region
• Commitment to environmental sustainability
• Interest in natural and / or cultural heritage
• Energetic and enthusiastic
• Use of social media

Other requirements

• Must be over 18 years old
• Current UK Driving license and access to a vehicle