Working with Rivers Intern Scotland – Job Description - May 2026

https://www.nature.scot/doc/working-rivers-intern-scotland-job-description-may-2026

Job Title: Working with Rivers Intern

Vacancy Type: Temporary 6-month internship from May – October 2026

Location: 8 posts available at a variety of locations

Closing Date: 19th March

Interview Date: week commencing 30th March

Job Summary

The Working with Rivers intern will support the hosting Fisheries Trusts to protect and restore Scotland’s freshwater species and habitats.
Fisheries Trusts work to promote conservation and evidence-based management of fisheries, undertake a wide range of environmental monitoring and improvement works, and work to raise awareness and educate the public about the aquatic environment.

The 7 Trusts that will be hosting interns are:
• Tay Foundation
• Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust
• Spey Foundation
• Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust
• Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust
• Kyle of Sutherland Fisheries Trust
• Wester Ross Fisheries Trust

Please specify your preferred work location on your covering letter.

The intern will work alongside professionals to contribute to projects designed to deliver vital habitat improvement and restoration works.

This internship has been created to offer a development opportunity for people who are new to the conservation sector.

What can you expect?

  • Interns will gain hands-on experience of fisheries management.
  • The opportunity to develop practical conservation skills through preservation of river habitats
  • Work on projects ranging from:
    • Outreach and engagement with communities, schools and colleges
    • Species monitoring and survey fieldwork
    • Water quality monitoring
    • Control of Non-native invasive species
    • Habitat enhancement including planting of native trees and barrier easement
    • Interns will take part in 4 training opportunities organised jointly by Fisheries Management Scotland and NatureScot

What support will you get?

  • Fair living wage at £13.45 an hour, paid monthly
  • Support from a mentor
  • Access to PPE, safety equipment and office equipment as required
  • Support to help with travel costs to training events
  • Completion certificates.

What we are looking for (Person Specification)

  • Good interpersonal skills that contribute to collaborative/team working and customer orientated service provision
  • Written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely
  • An interest in working with volunteers
  • A desire to develop Practical Estate and habitat management skills
  • An understanding of freshwater habitats and why water quality issues are important
  • Enthusiastic about participating in outdoor learning activities and events and encouraging volunteers and young people to participate.

You must have the right to work in the UK (e.g. UK/Irish citizen, or indefinite leave to remain). Your right to work must be verified before the internship can commence.

Application will be via CV and covering letter sent to [email protected]

The closing date for all applications will be midday on Thursday 19th March.

Please specify your preferred work location on your covering letter.