Are you looking for an opportunity to gain some work experience? Would you like to see what it’s like to try out different jobs? We know it can sometimes be hard to find a job and volunteering isn’t always practical or affordable, so Brave Island is really excited to have teamed up with a range of different organisations to offer a number of paid placements which will be available over the next two years.
The Researcher Placement is a six month opportunity hosted by The National Trust. Researchers are wonderfully curious people who enjoy searching for new knowledge and helping us understand the past, present and future a little better. We are looking for a young person to work with the team at the National Trust to find out more about the histories of people and places associated with the sites they look after as well as understanding more about the natural environment.
Here’s a little bit more about what the role involves, key dates and how to apply.
What’s involved?
- Carrying out research relating to Mottistone/Compton area
- Applying different research methods to meet different needs
- Uncovering new and presenting existing knowledge with our visitors and local communities
- Documenting and sharing your findings with staff and volunteers, and potentially visitors too
- Storing relevant material in an organised and accessible way for the future
- Supporting the development of a funding application with your findings.
By getting involved, you could…
- Unearth fascinating new knowledge which can be shared with others or used to inform our projects and policies. This could be about the histories of people and places, or understanding the natural environment.
- Help develop your own research skills, for academic credit or your own interests
- Work with diverse groups and meet many different people
- Help increase our understanding of what people would like from the Mottistone Estate so we can be relevant for current and future generations
- Help ensure different perspectives and interpretations are considered
We want all our placement holders to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when working with us. So, placement holders will…
- Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
- Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website
This role will suit you if you…
- Have a keen interest in heritage, people and places, and enjoy finding out more and building up knowledge
- Enjoy reading documents, writing up information, listing data and putting together information
- Enjoy speaking to people and uncovering different perspectives
- Ability to provide clear and concise information
- Have good Internet research skills and general IT skills, in particular MS Word and Excel
- Are able to motivate yourself and use your own initiative
All National Trust placement holders will be asked to…
- Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst working with us
- Complete training required of all National Trust volunteers and any role specific training
- Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity
You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, forever.
Practical info: This placement is open to those aged 18-25 at the start of the placement. It is one day per week for 6 months, and paid a stipend of £100/day. This placement is mostly based at National Trust’s head office, on Strawberry Lane in Mottistone. Please read the information pack below for all the practical info, and email megan@ventnorexchange.co.uk if you have any questions. Please answer all questions below to apply, if you have a CV you would like to upload feel free using the choose file button, but you don’t have to.
Opportunity Date & Time: This placement starts at the beginning of March, and finishes at the end of August. The day of the week and exact time will be agreed with you if you are selected for this role, as we will try and be accommodating of your schedule where possible.
