Internship Programme | Nature Opportunities for Businesses

Local environmental projects open for funding

Nature Commission Internship Programme

The Internship Programme offers a unique opportunity for emerging ecologists to work at the forefront of nature-positive innovation, supporting research, community engagement, and cross-sector initiatives that drive measurable environmental impact. Interns gain hands-on experience collaborating with scientists, policymakers, and the community to help protect biodiversity and build resilience.

Overview

How to Support this Project

THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FULLY FUNDED BY THE LION'S CLUB OF GUERNSEY FOR 2026 AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESSES. THIS OPPORTUNITY WILL BE AVAILABLE AGAIN IN 2027.

To support this project, please contact: office@naturecommission.gg

The Nature Commission is a Guernsey charity that works with business, government, the third sector, and the public to enhance the Island's natural environment and promote greater native biodiversity. In particular, the Nature Commission is working to reverse the decline in biodiversity by protecting and enhancing Guernsey's natural environment for the health of our economy and well-being of our island community.

For more information visit Nature Commission Guernsey

Project Information

The Nature Commission drives a suite of high-impact workstreams—from environmental education and public engagement to cross-sector partnerships, ecological monitoring, data analysis, and transparent reporting to stakeholders and decision-makers. Central to our mission is a robust data-collection and evidence-building programme that underpins conservation action, alongside initiatives that connect people with nature through meaningful experiences and information sharing.

The Assistant Ecologist Internship sits at the heart of this work. Interns directly support the Nature Commission’s Ecologist across key ecology and data-driven projects, with guidance from the CEO and the Head of Education and Operations. This role offers emerging talent hands-on experience in applied ecology, environmental data collection, project delivery, and public-facing reporting—skills that are increasingly vital for businesses navigating ESG, nature-related disclosures, and responsible growth.

By sponsoring this internship, corporate partners help develop the next generation of environmental professionals dedicated to shaping a thriving, nature-positive economy while demonstrating leadership in sustainability, nature stewardship, and community investment.

The Internship Programme opens for applications each May, and runs over the summer and autumn months.

Funding needed

The cost of the Nature Commission Internship Programme is £5,000 per year (based on 2026 rates).

Testimonials from previous Interns

Karla Roussel, Assistant Ecologist Intern 2025:

"I’ve loved getting stuck into all things fungi, lichen, and moss - creating spotter sheets and helping out with fungi walks, as well as writing a Fungi Matters article. I’ve also enjoyed contributing to a range of citizen science projects, from the Big Butterfly Count to a soon-to-be-launched small mammals project. I got really into using iRecord, logging lots of fungi, and learning more about our island’s biodiversity. I’m excited to keep recording and volunteering as a citizen scientist in the year ahead. Thank you again to everyone at the Nature Commission for your support and guidance. It’s been such a fab experience!"

Pip Gallagher, Assistant Ecologist Intern 2024:

"I was lucky to be given many opportunities in this role to build my experience in policy writing, data collection, project management, and attending meetings involving various stakeholders. I enjoyed every minute of this role, and loved working with the team at the Nature Commission."

Which UN Sustainable Development Goals does this Project contribute to?

This project helps to progress against the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

#4 quality education
#14 life below water
#15 life on land

Outcomes

Supports development of future environmental talent: helping grow the skills pipeline for the sector and demonstrating commitment to capacity building.
Builds reputational value: as the company is publicly acknowledged as a supporter of evidence-based environmental work in Nature Commission materials, events, and reports.
Enables measurable environmental impact: with sponsorship directly advancing high-quality ecological data, education programmes, and community engagement.
Strengthens community relations: showing tangible local investment in nature, learning, and resilience initiatives.
Enhances cross-sector collaboration: aligning the company with respected NGOs, educators, and environmental stakeholders.