Conservation Assistant Volunteer Roles in Newcastle

Bats are amazing animals and an important part of our natural environment. There are 18 species of bat in the UK, all of which are protected by law because their numbers have decreased so dramatically. BCT operates a National Bat Helpline to provide almost 15,000 enquirers a year with easily accessible and accurate information, including getting injured bats to the care they need. The Helpline’s role in advising and supporting people who encounter bats is an important part of BCT’s work towards our vision of a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together.

About the role

As a volunteer you will answer calls from the public, providing advice on bat care calls and putting them in touch with local bat care volunteers where possible. During our emergency service, volunteers will also be advising on calls relating to bat crime. We consistently receive feedback from volunteers to say that this role can be challenging at times due to the volume of calls, but with the support from the team, and the knowledge that they are helping bats and advising members of the public makes it such a rewarding role. Many enjoy it so much that they return to volunteer the next season! Volunteers took about 4,456 calls between May and September last year.

You do not need to have prior experience in conservation to volunteer, anyone who is interested in helping bats is welcome to apply. Volunteering for the Helpline is a great way to get involved in conservation from the comfort of your home and during your spare time.  

Commitment

We hope that volunteers will be able to sign up to 3 Bat Watches per month between May – September. A Bat Watch is up to 4 hours (including a 30-minute break), please see our website for Bat Watch times.

All you need is:

• A computer/laptop with internet access (or a tablet, although a computer is preferable).
• A speaker/mic or headset to use with your computer, as phone calls will be received using an internet app on your device.
• A phone with reliable reception for contacting support staff where needed

Skills and abilities

• Competent in using computers and entering data onto an online form.
• Accurate record-keeping.
• An interest in UK wildlife and conservation and/or animal welfare.
• Affective communication skills and ability to reassure members of the public during calls.
• Willingness to spend additional time reading training materials and keeping up to date with communications from the project coordinator.

Training and support

Returning summer volunteers (2023 or 2024) will receive a refresher training video. Each new or returning summer volunteer (pre-2023) must attend an online training day in April as well as complete some introductory online training in their own time. This year’s training dates are:

• Saturday 5th April
• Tuesday 8th April
• Thursday 10th April

Training days will run between 10:30am and 2:30pm with breaks.

All volunteers will also receive a comprehensive manual and full support from BCT staff during their assigned bat watches and throughout the season. During the virtual training day, we will provide an induction explaining what we do and how volunteers fit within our organisation. We will also provide training to assist you to meet the standards we expect from volunteers.

How to sign up

To find out more and sign up, please follow the link to our website. You will need to create a Better Impact account to sign up.

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of the Helpline services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role description does not form part of any contract of employment. We are unable to take applications from individuals under the age of 18.