Key Volunteers

View all vacancies

Volunteer Officer

Place: TCV Hollybush, Kirkstall, Leeds

Why we need you:
Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team, working with the local community at Hollybush Conservation Centre and on sites across the city. You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff, and volunteer as part of a team with paid staff and trainees. We will aim to train our Conservation Volunteer Officers in: leading a range of practical tasks and events with volunteers at the TCV Leeds centres and out in the community; practical development and maintenance of the wildlife areas and horticultural areas at TCV Leeds centres including vegetable growing, habitat management and practical conservation; the leadership of practical activities of participants across Leeds including health and wellbeing sessions, walking groups, practical conservation, nature crafts, woodwork, environmental education and community gardening. Typical activities for Volunteer Officers include: leading or assisting groups of volunteers on practical tasks including preparing and organising activities, supporting and training volunteers (including some with additional support needs) looking after tools, refreshments, group welfare; assisting with public events and related activities; working to develop and maintain the TCV sites as exciting and inspiring locations for visitors to get a hands on experience with nature. This will include both development work and routine maintenance; developing and updating resources or materials for activity days; helping with the general running of the centre and the project. As well as valuable practical experience with an organisation recognised for its quality by employers in the environmental field, we will provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references. It's also a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!

Benefits to you:
The placement offers broad experience entering an environmental career. A comprehensive training programme will be delivered through formal courses and working alongside experienced practitioners. This will include Leadership on day Projects, First Aid, Practical Tools Use, Health & Safety, Risk Assessment, Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Data Protection Awareness and more. You will have access to TCV's online training system as well as practical, hands on experience. You will increase your employability through gaining valuable transferable skills and experience.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals aged 19 or over, driven to connect people with green spaces.

How much time:
2-5 days per week. To complete 100 days of volunteering within 6 to 12 months. We are normally open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with occasional weekend work outside of these times. We can contribute expenses to travel to our office, plus assistance moving between work sites.

For further details please contact Alex Mason on 0113 274 2335.

Email: hollybush@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.