Wildlife conservation volunteer roles in Gloucester, gloucestershire

Pró-Onça Institute empowers Cerrado communities to restore critical habitats, monitor biodiversity, and promote sustainable human-wildlife coexistence.

The Brazilian Cerrado, one of the world's most biodiverse savannas, is vanishing at an alarming rate due to large-scale agriculture. This habitat loss fragments the landscape, isolating large carnivores like jaguars and driving them into dangerous conflicts with local farmers. Furthermore, the rural communities living closest to these ecosystems—particularly women and youth—are often excluded from conservation leadership and lack the resources to protect their land against the intensifying threats of drought and wildfires.

Pró-Onça Institute addresses these crises through a locally driven model that transforms communities into active conservation partners across four integrated pillars. We train rural women and youth in high-tech biodiversity monitoring—using camera traps and GPS to track wildlife and reduce predator conflicts—while establishing community nurseries to restore native vegetation corridors that reconnect fragmented habitats. Through flagship initiatives like "Jaguar Women for Climate & Conservation," we provide the leadership training and employment needed for local women to head restoration efforts, all while using professional storytelling and art to amplify community voices and foster global engagement. By blending ecological science with social empowerment, we create resilient landscapes where both jaguars and people can thrive together.

​The role: Impact Finance & Fundraising Strategist

This role is ideal for someone interested in impact investment, climate and biodiversity finance, or strategic partnerships for mission-driven organizations. You will work directly with the founder of Pró-Onça Institute to help design and implement a funding and partnership strategy that allows our conservation initiatives to scale.

This goes beyond advisory support. We are looking for someone who is willing to actively collaborate with us in building relationships with potential supporters and partners.

Responsibilities include:

• helping design a clear funding and partnership strategy for the organisation
• identifying potential donors, foundations, corporate partners, and impact investors aligned with biodiversity and climate initiatives
• advising on how to approach and communicate with potential funders
• supporting outreach and introductions to relevant partners when possible
• helping refine our pitch and value proposition for potential supporters
• advising on negotiation and partnership conversations

Our goal is to build long-term partnerships that allow community-led conservation initiatives to grow and reach more landscapes and communities.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

Are you interested in helping to save wildlife? We are Swan Lifeline, based on Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton Berkshire, and our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured waterfowl.

We’re dependant on Volunteers and offer a very rewarding experience where you will learn lots and share amazing experiences as we transform lives. This volunteering role involves attending waterfowl who need rescuing and/or transporting to our site in Eton. 

We’re looking for 2 types of specialist Volunteers: You could do either or both.

Rescuer (Home based): Rescuing swans and other waterfowl from home. You’ll only do simple rescues to start with i.e. moving a swan from a garden or road etc. (beginners will not be asked to attend water-based rescues). Requires confidence handling large birds (full training given) and a good level of physical fitness. We will set you up with equipment.

Driver: Collecting waterfowl (usually ducklings, cygnets, geese etc.) and dropping them to our site or transporting birds to a different rescue centre.

We do have a few requirements for the Rescue and Driver Volunteer role:

· You live no more than 50 miles radius from postcode SL4 6SS

· You have a full, clean driving license and your own vehicle

· You can work independently once fully trained (full training given at our site in Eton)

· Are over the age of 18 (sadly, our insurance doesn’t cover Minors)

· You have a passion for Swans and are comfortable (after training) handling large birds

· You are willing to join the WhatsApp group that we use to communicate. We post rescues and collections to the WA group, and we ask you to respond if you are able to go. There is no obligation to respond or attend if you are unable.

As an Adventure Ambassador, you will act as the face of Adventures for Animals on our UK and overseas trips. This role offers an exciting opportunity to combine your passion for travel with your commitment to animal welfare, while inspiring others to take part in meaningful challenges. Your primary focus will be on promoting trips, building community engagement, supporting fundraising and delivering an exceptional participant experience before and during each adventure.

Key Responsibilities

Promote Inspiring Adventures

• Generate interest and excitement through social media, community outreach, and personal networks.
• Encourage registrations, and later fundraising, by sharing the purpose and impact of Adventures for Animals and the work of IAPWA.

Host and Represent on Trips

• Act as the official Adventure Ambassador on each trip, representing Adventures for Animals and IAPWA.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive group environment.
• Support participants throughout the journey to help ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

Incentives and Rewards

• Once a trip reaches an agreed capacity, you will secure a free place on the expedition.
• At the next agreed benchmark, you will receive free return flights for the adventure.
• At full capacity, you will also then receive a generous trip allowance.

Represent the Mission

• Embody the values and mission of the charity.
• Share insight into the charity’s work and inspire participants to support animal welfare initiatives.
• Strengthen the sense of community and shared purpose across each adventure.

Team Collaboration

• Attend monthly team meetings with fellow Adventure Ambassadors.
• Share insights, feedback, and ideas to support programme growth and fundraising best practice.
• Optionally organise UK-based hikes or local events to promote upcoming trips and engage the community.

Essential Experience / Skills

• A genuine passion for travel, adventure, and animal welfare
• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging groups
• Self-motivated with the ability to proactively promote trips
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a natural leadership presence
• Organised, reliable, and positive in approach

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to explore exciting destinations while supporting meaningful animal welfare initiatives.
• Personal and professional development in leadership, public speaking, and community engagement.
• The chance to play a key role in raising awareness and funds to support animals worldwide.

Closing Date: The job advert will close as soon as suitable candidates have been found. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible!