Internships, Training and Jobs
Interns gain experience by being involved in all aspects of the running of the Trust. This is Jessica Reiss (Intern May - October 2005) in the World Land Trust Office.
The World Land Trust Internship Programme
What do we mean by 'intern'?
Someone who is prepared to commit to a fixed period of unpaid voluntary work for World Land Trust (WLT). We provide relevant training so the intern gains first-hand experience of a major conservation charity.
WLT has been running an Internship Programme since 2000. Although internships are a very North American concept, they are becoming a more accepted way of career development.
The World Land Trust offers six-month unpaid internships based at the WLT office in Suffolk, UK. Interns contribute to WLT's work, in project development and conservation management, and become involved with real-life day-to-day issues arising in the UK and our many overseas projects.
Experience gained
An important aspect of the Internship Programme is assisting with outreach activities. This is Claire Thompson and Charlotte Beckham (interns July - December 2009) with Education, Training and Outreach Officer Kelly Jacobs, talking to the public about WLT's work in Shepreth Wildlife Park, one of the supporters of the Trust's Wild Spaces Programme.
Successful candidates will work in a variety of WLT's areas of operations. Including, project management, fundraising and general office administration.
Previous interns have been involved in a variety of activities:
- Hosting overseas project partner visits
- Shadowing the CEO at meetings in London
- Assisting with event organisation
- Evaluating project proposals
- Writing web page content
- Drafting press releases
- Assisting with outreach activities
Training and travel
Interns are offered a training programme individually tailored to equip them to fulfil the role they are performing. Interns attached to the Projects team may have an opportunity to travel to some of our overseas projects, although this is not guaranteed. However, interns are generally able to accompany WLT staff on visits to the Trust's UK reserve at Kites Hill, Gloucestershire.
Most interns get the chance to visit the Trust's Kites Hill Reserve in Gloucestershire, UK. Here is Kristina Turner (intern September 2008 - February 2009) during a Kites Hill visit.
Who is eligible?
The WLT Internship Programme is designed primarily for graduates, who must be eligible to live and work in the EU. Internships are entirely voluntary, although all costs directly connected with work, such as travel to meetings and training courses directly relevant to the role, will be paid for, and some out-of-pocket expenses may be claimed. The intern will therefore be expected to be self-supporting, but it is possible that they will be eligible for housing and other state benefits.
Previous interns
The majority of the previous interns with the WLT have subsequently found employment in conservation or related areas. See what previous interns say about the programme.
More information about the internship programme
For more information about WLT Internships, download a the Internship Booklet as a PDF file:
Internship Booklet (638KB) (opens in new window)
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Diploma Course in Conservation and Project Administration (2005-2010)
The Graduate Diploma Course in Conservation and Project Administration, created by the University of East Anglia in collaboration with the World Land Trust ran from 2005-2010. WLT are currently working on future training projects with the UEA.
Vacancies at WLT
Projects Development Assistant (General) Internship
We currently have a vacancy for a Projects Development Assistant (General) to join the WLT as part of our Internship Programme. This is a voluntary position, focusing on the development of WLT land purchase and restoration ecology projects, and promotion and fundraising for projects and the Trust as a whole. Working directly with the CEO and Programmes Management Team, this internship will provide an excellent opportunity to acquire skills in conservation management, and is expected to enhance the work of WLT.
For more information please click here»
