Placements & Internships with our Ocean Discovery Rangers

Placements & Internships with our Ocean Discovery Rangers

ARE YOU AT UNIVERSITY AND LOOKING TO GAIN VALUABLE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE IN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION? A PLACEMENT OR INTERNSHIP AT THE OCEAN CONSERVATION TRUST MIGHT BE FOR YOU!

The Ocean Conservation Trust runs the National Marine Aquarium, the largest Aquarium in the UK, as its centre of excellence. We focus on a people and solutions-based approach to Ocean conservation, engaging people to help them connect to the Ocean, and in turn, help to protect it. 

We pride ourselves on providing the opportunity for marine biologists in the early stages of their careers to experience working as part of our team, supporting us in achieving our aim of restoring and protecting the ocean. 

Our placements and internships will allow you to work alongside our award-winning Ocean Discovery Rangers, and will involve a huge variety of activities, ranging from small-scale public interactions to large-scale shows and talks, all to promote the wonder of the Ocean. You will help to deliver the OCT’s core public and community engagement programme, learning techniques to help you engage with a diverse range of people. 

There are currently two different university-level opportunities within the Ocean Discovery Ranger team: 

• Placements for students who are required to complete a year in industry by their university, that would typically last from September to May. 
• Internships for students who are required to gain industry experience by their university on a shorter-term basis, typically around three months, though this can vary.  

These positions share many responsibilities and tasks, which include: 

• 1:1 engagement with visitors to the National Marine Aquarium 
• Engagement with larger groups through shows, workshops, and similar activities 
• Assisting with the delivery of public engagement projects with a diverse range of people from a wide array of backgrounds, and ages. 
• Assisting with the delivery of our formal education programme. 
• Joining the Ocean Discovery Rangers at outreach events in and around Plymouth 
• Assisting with evaluation of all public and community engagement projects. 
• As well as these tasks, our placement students will be asked to develop and create their own public engagement activity on a marine topic of their choice.

Please note that these opportunities are focused around science communication and do not involve animal care; students interested in experience in this field should apply to our Animal Husbandry placements

This role is approximately 24 hours per week across 4 days and operates on a rota-based shift system, including weekends and holidays. A full rota will be provided to successful candidates before the commencement of their internship or placement.

Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
• Applicants must be carrying out the placement/internship as part of a university degree; those interested in gaining experience with the team who are not looking for a university-facilitated placement should consider our volunteering programme
• In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.

The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit; however, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in the workforce.

Please note that unfortunately the Ocean Conservation Trust is unable to provide financial assistance for any of our volunteering roles.

How to apply

To apply for either of the available roles, please fill in the relevant expression of interest form and email it to volunteer@oceanconservationtrust.org along with a copy of your CV.

Placements

Internships

Successful applicants will be invited to an interview by our volunteer officer; we endeavour to reply to all applicants within a reasonable timeframe. Please contact us if you have any questions!