Volunteer roles for the Environment sector

Are you an experienced Board-level leader passionate about education, social mobility, STEM, and creating opportunities for young people?

The Engineering Development Trust (EDT) is seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to its Board. This opportunity would suit an experienced Chair, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Board Member, CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leader with expertise in governance, strategy, financial stewardship and organisational leadership who is passionate about education, STEM and social impact.

 We’re looking for someone with senior leadership experience, strong understanding of charity governance and finance, and the ability to support and challenge at Board level.

About EDT

EDT is a UK-wide education charity delivering over 50,000 learning experiences each year through the Industrial Cadets Awards. We bring together employers, educators and young people aged 9–21, helping them explore STEM pathways and access rewarding future careers. EDT plays a critical role in tackling skills gaps, improving social mobility and increasing diversity across STEM industries.

About the Role

This is a high-impact trustee leadership opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of a national charity. As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, financial oversight and organisational effectiveness.

You will work closely with the Chief Executive, acting as a trusted sounding board while maintaining accountability for delivering EDT’s mission and strategy. You will also act as an ambassador, representing EDT to partners, funders and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees
• Ensure effective charity governance and compliance
• Oversee financial health and sustainability
• Support and challenge the Chief Executive
• Lead Board development and performance
• Act as an external ambassador for EDT

About You

We are seeking a collaborative, strategic and values-driven leader with experience operating at Board, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Chair, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leadership level.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership, executive, trustee or non-executive experience
• Strong understanding of charity governance, corporate governance, risk management, financial oversight and organisational strategy
• Experience working with Boards, Trustees, Committees or governing bodies
• The ability to provide both support and constructive challenge to senior executives and leadership teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, partnership-building and ambassadorial skills
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, social mobility and creating opportunities for young people
• Strong judgement, integrity and a passion for delivering social impact

Experience gained within the charity, not-for-profit, third sector, education, STEM, skills development, employability, workforce development, youth development, public sector or social enterprise sectors would be particularly valuable, although candidates from the commercial sector with relevant governance experience are equally encouraged to apply.

Commitment

• Approx. 4 Board meetings per year plus committee involvement
• Regular engagement with the Chief Executive
• Attendance at key events and stakeholder meetings

This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Why join EDT?

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the UK, while helping to address critical skills shortages in STEM. You will join a committed Board and executive team and play a central role in shaping EDT’s future at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the sector.

We welcome applications from experienced trustees, board members, non-executive directors, charity leaders, public sector leaders, education leaders and senior executives who share our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and strengthening the future STEM workforce. We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board.

A conservation NGO in Indonesia is seeking a volunteer accountant to strengthen donor reporting, financial systems and accounting processes.

The organisation works with fishing communities, women and young people to support community based natural resource management, sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation.

The finance team currently relies heavily on Excel and is planning to move to a more structured accounting platform.

The volunteer will work with the team to review budgeting and donor reporting templates, support the transition from Excel, improve reporting consistency, strengthen financial systems and controls, and provide practical mentoring.

This would suit a collaborative volunteer with experience in donor reporting, Excel, accounting systems and small NGO finance.

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Accounting for International Development, AfID, matches experienced accountants with charities, NGOs and social enterprises around the world. Our volunteers provide practical finance support, helping partners strengthen systems, reporting, controls and confidence.

A growing NGO in Malawi, working across education, livelihoods, health and environmental sustainability, is seeking a volunteer accountant to strengthen its finance systems.

The organisation has grown significantly and now manages multiple donor funded projects, with annual income of over £1 million. QuickBooks has been introduced, but is not yet fully embedded, and many processes remain manual.

The volunteer will work with the Finance and Administration Manager, wider finance team and senior leadership to review current systems, identify priorities and support practical improvements.

Key areas of support may include QuickBooks, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, donor reporting, management accounts, internal controls, expenditure verification, audit readiness and mentoring.

This would suit a collaborative and adaptable finance professional who can balance a broad systems review with practical, hands on support.

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Accounting for International Development (AfID) matches experienced accountants with charities, NGOs and social enterprises around the world. Our volunteers provide practical finance support, helping partners strengthen systems, reporting, controls and confidence.

Are you a young person aged 18-35 with a passion for ensuring North Devon has a sustainable future? 
 
🌍 Become a Youth Representative for North Devon UNESCO Biosphere 
The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is part of a global network of over 750 Biosphere Reserves working together to develop innovative approaches to sustainable development, protect biodiversity and culture, and support vital research. 
 
At North Devon Biosphere, we are guided by our new 10-year strategy (2026–2036), 'living up to world class by nature'. Our vision is to ensure that people and nature thrive together, creating a truly sustainable future for our region.
 
🗣️ Why Youth Voices Matter 
We place a high value on the perspectives, ideas, and energy of young people within our Biosphere. We are committed to supporting young adults to become active, engaged members of their communities and to help shape the future of North Devon. 
 
We are seeking one Youth Representative to help bring fresh perspectives, highlight the priorities of younger generations, and contribute to conversations around sustainability, conservation, and community development across the Biosphere. 
 
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a wider movement—connecting with biospheres across the UK and internationally—to amplify youth voices and drive meaningful environmental and social change. 

🙋 Who Can Apply 
This unpaid role is open to individuals who: 

• Are aged 18–35 

• Live, work, or study within the North Devon Biosphere region 

You don’t need to be an expert in sustainability—we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from individuals and communities who are currently underrepresented. 

Role Type

Unpaid, voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Commitment and Focus

As Treasurer Trustee, you will support the Board’s oversight of FareShare Yorkshire’s financial governance. Working in close partnership with the Head of Finance & Business, you will help ensure the charity’s finances are well-managed, transparent, and aligned with its strategic objectives.

The Treasurer acts as a critical friend and source of support to the Head of Finance & Business, providing constructive challenge, guidance, and assurance to the Board. You will attend quarterly board meetings (held in Yorkshire) and chair the quarterly Finance Sub-Committee, helping to ensure effective financial governance and clear reporting to the full Board.

About FareShare Yorkshire

FareShare Yorkshire is a charity in its 27th year of operation and has experienced significant growth in recent years. Operating from three sites in Barnsley and Leeds, the organisation delivers surplus food provision services, employability programmes, and runs its own cookery school, The FullCrumb Kitchen. We redistribute enough food for over 100,000 meals every week by taking good surplus food from companies and getting it to where it is needed most.

Key Treasurer Responsibilities

1. Present clear, accurate, and timely financial reports to the Board in a format that supports understanding and effective decision-making, including:

   •  Annual budgets

   • Internal management accounts

   • Annual statutory financial statements

2. Ensure the Board meets its duty to maintain proper accounting records and that financial resources are:

   • Properly controlled

   • Prudently invested

   • Economically and effectively spent in line with good governance, legal and regulatory

     requirements, in liaison with the Head of Finance & Business.

3. Support the development, implementation, and regular review of:

   • Financial reserves policy

   • Cost management approaches

   • Investment policies

4. Advise and support the Board in carrying out its financial responsibilities, providing insight into financial risks, opportunities, and sustainability.

5. Chair the Finance Sub-Committee, setting agendas in partnership with the Head of Finance & Business and ensuring effective financial scrutiny.

6. Provide clear updates and recommendations to the full Board following each Finance Sub-Committee meeting.

7. Scrutinise financial information provided by the Head of Finance & Business and request additional information or clarification where necessary.

8. Support and challenge budget proposals and forecasts presented to the Board.

9. Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity, including cash flow, reserves, and long-term sustainability.

10. Ensure appropriate financial controls are implemented, adhered to, and regularly reviewed.

11. Advise the Board on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan and major decisions.

12. Support the Head of Finance and Business to:

    • Prepare information for the annual accounts

    • Manage the annual audit process, including liaison with auditors where appropriate.
      
      The Trustee Role:

    • Ensure the charity fulfils its purposes for public benefit by:
      Complying with its governing document.

    • Adhering to charity law and all other applicable legislation.

    • Acting always in the best interests of the charity.

    • Ensuring the responsible management of the charity’s resources.

    • Overseeing and ensuring compliance with statutory accounting and financial reporting requirements.

    • Declaring any conflicts of interest and exercising independent judgement in all decision- making.

    • Acting as an ambassador and advocate for the organisation and upholding its mission, values, and reputation.

    • Representing the Board and organisation at meetings and events, including acting as a spokesperson when required.

    • Safeguarding the wellbeing and interests of employees.

    • Contributing to the development of the organisation’s strategy by providing constructive challenge and insight.

    • Seeking appropriate professional advice where there is potential risk to the organisation or where trustee duties may be impacted.

    • Taking collective responsibility to ensure the legal and financial integrity of the organisation, including to safeguard its assets and long-term sustainability.

    • Ensuring appropriate procedures are in place for the appointment, support, and performance monitoring of the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT).  

    • Attending and actively contributing to Board meetings on a regular basis.

Skills and Experience

We are particularly seeking a Trustee with:

• Senior-level experience in finance, accountancy, audit, or financial management.

• Strong understanding of financial governance, risk management, and internal controls.

• Experience of:

  • -  Budgeting and financial forecasting

  • -  Reviewing management accounts and statutory accounts

  • -  Financial oversight within a charity, public sector, or commercial environment

    (charity experience desirable but not essential)

• Confidence in presenting financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.

• Strong Excel skills and confidence working with financial data (advantageous).

• The ability to provide supportive challenge and constructive scrutiny.

• The credibility to lead financial discussions at board level while working collaboratively

  with staff and fellow Trustees.

Ideal candidates will have:

o A commitment to FareShare Yorkshire’s mission and values.
o Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to high-level decision-making.
o The ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively.
o Time to dedicate to the role, including preparation for and attendance at meetings.

What We Offer
While this is an unpaid voluntary position, we provide:

o Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in your role.
o The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on food insecurity inYorkshire.
o A chance to work alongside a passionate team dedicated to tackling food poverty.

Diversity and Inclusion

FareShare Yorkshire is committed to building a diverse and inclusive board. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who bring new perspectives and lived experience to the table

The Ramblers are Britain's biggest and most vibrant walking community. The Area Secretary is a key member of the Sussex leadership team, working with the Chair to ensure the team runs smoothly including managing meeting logistics and communicating with Groups in the Area.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Working with the Area Chair to arrange quarterly leadership team meetings, including producing agendas and booking the venue
• Organising the Area AGM, and producing the Annual Report
• Making sure that accurate records of decisions at meetings are produced and circulated on a timely basis
• Keeping in touch with Ramblers' Central Office, sharing news, including key communications, with the Area leadership team and Groups
• Welcoming to the Area new members of the Ramblers who live in East or West Sussex 
• As a member of the leadership team, contributing to decision-making on a wide range of issues in relation to activities across Sussex Area of the Ramblers

The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk. By volunteering as Area Secretary you will be paying a vital role in making sure we can achieve this. Running an efficient Sussex Area Ramblers leadership team is critical to the effectiveness of our organisation, and is part of the overall Ramblers governance. The Area Secretary is a pivotal position on the leadership team and ensures that we meet our obligations efficiently and effectively .

The ideal candidate is likely to have a passion for walking and the outdoors and a familiarity with the activities of the Ramblers and of the Sussex Area. The position is suitable for someone who is highly reliable, capable of taking initiative and with a track record of getting things done. You will need to be well-organised, good at building relationships with other members of the leadership team including the Chair, have fluent writing skills and be confident in producing agendas and decision records. You should be computer-literate and preferably have experience of using audio-visual meeting support equipment and desktop publishing software.

We’re WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. We’re on a mission to restore wetlands because they are a wondrous solution to our world's problems. Together we will unlock their power – and help nature burst back to life. Because when wetlands flourish, all life will flourish.

We believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. Our enthusiasm for what we do motivates others to support our cause and ultimately helps save wetlands and their wildlife. You will be contributing to this aspect of our work by assisting the Education department with the delivery of outdoor workshops for schools and other educational groups.

No previous knowledge is required as training and equipment will be provided. However, this role will suit you if you have:

• A good basic knowledge of UK wildlife, conservation and nature.
• An enthusiasm for the natural world and sharing this with others.
•  The ability to communicate effectively with children.
• Willingness to work outside in most weather conditions. Please note the role will require some lifting, bending and other reasonable physical activities.
• Excellent and reliable time management to ensure that sessions run time.
• Ability to work well with other WWT Martin Mere staff and volunteers.
• A positive, confident and welcoming disposition.

Please apply for this role via the WWT website.

Would you like to help end food insecurity and tackle climate change in Greater Manchester, whilst gaining valuable experience and skills? Or perhaps you'd just like to keep busy and active and make new friends, whilst supporting a great cause.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

Induction, training and support.
Practical experience and transferable skills in food redistribution and warehousing.
A reference (after 2 months with us).
An understanding of warehousing and logistics.
Expenses:
Reimbursement of travel costs of up to £5 for public transport, and up to £6 for car drivers.
Up to £3 towards lunch, if you have special dietary requirements. (We provide lunch, so will contribute towards the cost of a meal, should you bring your own, if what we are offering isn't considered suitable; e.g. a diet that's restricted for health, ethics or religion).

ABOUT US
As a sustainability charity, we take donated surplus (over-stocked) food and redistribute it to people in need.
The initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities.
Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents good food going to landfill, where it would contribute to climate warming through greenhouse gas emissions. 
We need help in our warehouse to receive and record supplies, load and unload vans, and prepare orders for delivery. In return, we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience if you are seeking work. If you're not looking for a job, volunteering with us is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make friends, keep physically active and support your community.

This role is vital to FareShare's work, ensuring that the food in our warehouse is sorted, labelled and organised into orders.
It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity to keep busy and physically fit.
b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing or customer service.
c) Wanting to help their community and help tackle global warming.
d) Wanting to make new friends.

Our volunteer roles are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am-12:30pm and 12:30-4:30pm. 
Volunteers are typically involved on one day a week.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient food and preparing orders for delivery. 
Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.
Unpacking deliveries, recording and categorising food.
Assembling food orders.
Assisting our Community Food Members with their order collections.
Maintaining health and safety and hygiene standards. 
Helping with cleaning and other routine tasks.

PERSON SPECIFICATION: You must...
Be reasonably physically fit to carry out tasks, including lifting and loading.
Speak English well in order to communicate clearly with our Community Food Members, and to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 
Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record details of donated food.
Be able to work to Health and Safety standards.
Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.
Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food insecurity.
Be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.

LOCATION
We are located in Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, M11 2WJ, which is easily reachable on public transport. We have free-onsite parking and secure storage for bicycles.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be a UK resident and living within easy commuting distance of our base in order to volunteer with us. This is because our volunteers must be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for our roles.
We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.
Capped reimbursement of expenses is awarded for lunches and travel, where applicable.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for safe, confident drivers to join our busy, friendly delivery team. 

We re-distribute tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester. This is an achievement of which we’re proud, and want to expand and is why we need your driving and delivery skills to support our growing operation, especially in these current times of increased need.

Key responsibilities

Driving a van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the various Community Food Members we support. 
Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

As a Delivery Driver at FareShare, you will be driving a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonnes Mercedes Sprinter van; working closely with a Driver’s Assistant to re-distribute food orders to the premises of a wide variety of Community Food Members. You will be involved with loading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

The required skills and attributes are as follows. You must:

Be aged 25 or over, with a clean driver's licence (or a maximum of 3 points).
(Experience of driving a van is desirable though not essential).

Be reliable and be able to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts.

Be physically fit to take on moving and handling of food orders.

Possess the ability to follow procedures and instructions.

Have good verbal communication skills.

Have a high respect for Health & Safety standards and procedures.

Have an interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values.

In return you will gain:

Career, CV advice and support

A reference for future employers

Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses 

The opportunity to give practical help to fight food poverty and reduce food waste (and associated CO2 emissions)

The opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends

Our operating hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. 

Drivers' 4 hour shifts begin at 8:30am. 

We especially welcome volunteers who can commit to one day a week. 

The days and rota hours of volunteering are agreed around your availability.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for volunteer Driver's Assistants to join our busy friendly delivery team with redistributing tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester.

FareShare is a national charity fighting food poverty and global warming by tackling food surplus. We source overstocked food from retailers and manufacturers and engage many volunteers to help re-distribute it to over 220 frontline charities and community groups across Greater Manchester. These groups, in turn, provide meals to vulnerable people experiencing food poverty, individuals who are homeless, families, and people who are unemployed or socially isolated. This food would otherwise have gone to waste, so we are simultaneously supporting people in need and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key responsibilities

Working closely with the driver of a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonne Mercedes Sprinter van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the benevolent projects we support. 

Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

The required skills and attributes are:

• Reliability and ability to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts (ESSENTIAL)

• Physical fitness, to take on moving and handling of food orders

• Ability to follow procedures and instructions

• Good verbal communication skills

• Interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values

• High respect for Health & Safety procedures and standards

In return you will gain:

Career and CV advice and support

A reference for future employers

Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses 

The opportunity to give practical help to fight food poverty and reduce food waste (and associated CO2 emissions)

The opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends

Our operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Driver and Driver’s Assistant shifts begin at 8:30am. 

We welcome volunteers who can commit to one day a week. 

The days and rota hours of volunteering are agreed around your availability.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

About The Role

Volunteers are integral for the running of Caerlaverock reserve, without their help we wouldn't be able to maintain this vast 1,400-acre wetland of international importance. You will join a small, friendly and motivated team and will benefit from volunteering by gaining experience, meeting like-minded people and making a difference by helping to maintain our important wetland. 

Managing a large wetland nature reserve requires a lot of practical, hands-on, physical tasks. With training and guidance, you will become part of our friendly dedicated reserve team. Your role will help support in all areas of practical reserve management - including maintaining habitats, biological monitoring, increasing species biodiversity, and ensuring the reserve and grounds look their best. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

Main Tasks

• Maintenance of visitor facilities including paths, hides, benches
• Assisting with practical reserve management including scrub clearance, pruning, pollarding and fencing
• Ensuring reserve water bodies are maintained and managed appropriately 
• Assisting in wildlife monitoring
• Operating machinery and hand tools safely and correctly to carry out habitat management
• Observing health & safety regulations at all times to ensure the safety, welfare, and enjoyment of everyone on site
• General visitor engagement
• Occasional assisting with management of livestock or visitor centre work

About The Role

The hides on our reserve present an opportunity to engage visitors with our wetlands, helping them to learn more about the WWT’s important conservation work and about the amazing biodiversity and abundance of species at our Caerlaverock site. Through sharing your enthusiasm and expertise, you will make connections, inspire visitors, and help people of all birdwatching abilities to enjoy the wildlife on our reserve. Helping someone identify a bird species that they haven’t seen before or are struggling to identify can really kickstart their connection with nature and create a lasting positive experience.

Our Guide in the Hide Volunteers provide a warm and friendly welcome to the hide, point out species of interest and assist with identification, educate about WWT’s conservation work, and make sure our visitors have a positive experience looking at wildlife. You will also help to record any wildlife sightings whilst out on the reserve. This is a great opportunity to meet a variety of people, learn about wildlife conservation and become a part of a friendly and supportive team. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

Main Tasks

• Giving a warm welcome to all visitors coming into the hides
• Talking to visitors about what they can see from the hide windows
• Recording sightings data into a logbook
• Helping with wildlife species identification
• Assisting visitors to use the optical equipment and identification guidebooks
• Informing visitors of which events, talks, and activities at the site may be of interest
• Updating the sightings board and letting the welcome desk know about any exciting sightings
• Maintaining the hides – tidying chairs, cleaning surfaces, sweeping, collecting litter, organising learning materials & equipment

About You 

No previous experience is required for this role as full training will be provided, and a willingness to learn new skills is more important. However, this role would suit you if:

• You feel confident in talking to and engaging with members of the public, and can adapt your communication style to suit your audience
• You love birding and want to share your enthusiasm with others
• You have a strong basic knowledge of UK bird species - additional training & support for species identification can be provided
• You are friendly and approachable with a positive attitude
• You have an interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
• You enjoy working as part of a team of staff and volunteers
• You are physically fit to patrol the reserve in all weather