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Conservation Volunteer Officer - York

Place: York

Why we need you:
We are looking for an enthusiastic intern to join our team, to help lead groups of volunteers carrying out practical conservation tasks in a range of urban and rural green spaces. This includes supporting volunteers to plant trees, maintain meadows, control invasive species, or construct ponds, fences and footpaths. You might also assist with social media, public engagement and project planning. Volunteer Officers develop real responsibility over planning and execution of practical volunteer tasks and become an integral member of our team.

Benefits to you:
You might be looking to gain experience in the environment sector, or you may have practical skills you are keen to share with the local community, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time. This role gives you responsibility in a supportive environment and aims to develop you to be able to run activities and lead groups independently. Our experienced staff and training courses will support you to learn aspects of conservation work, including practical conservation skills, Leadership, First Aid, Risk Assessment, Safeguarding and Health and Safety (training budget is linked to time commitment). We will also give you useful contacts, job opportunity information and references. You will gain valuable experience with an organisation recognised for its quality by employers in the environmental field. Our Volunteer Officers often progress from this role into careers in the environment sector. It's also a chance to do something satisfying and worthwhile and have fun with some great people!

What you need:
We are looking for committed and enthusiastic team workers, with a passion for conservation and supporting others, an aptitude for practical skills, and a friendly personality. You'll need to engage with people of different ages, backgrounds, skills and experience. You need to be reasonably physically fit and willing to work outdoors at any time of year. Preferably have held a full driving licence for over a year. We welcome applications from people just starting out, in the process of changing careers, or people with practical conservation experience. TCV is committed to safeguarding. As this role may involve working with vulnerable adults, a criminal record check will be carried out for successful applicants.

How much time:
3 to 4 days a week (9am to 5pm), usually weekdays but with occasional Sundays. To maximise your experience in this seasonal role we recommend at least 6 months.

For further details please contact Jo Brehaut on 01904 414927.

Email: york@tcv.org.uk

You will be supported in your role by experienced staff through regular meetings where issues can be resolved and guidance provided. You will have all reasonable expenses covered (foreign travel excepted) so will not be out of pocket through your volunteering. You will be insured and expected to comply with the policies and procedures of The Conservation Volunteers.

Where roles will be responsible for others, we need to check your references. When the role involves young people and vulnerable adults, we will need to ask for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau, Central Registered Body in Scotland or appropriate body in Northern Ireland.

Many people who work in the Environmental Sector have used a Volunteer Officer role as a stepping stone in their career.