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Biodiversity Action Projects Volunteer Officer

Place: Alloa, Glasgow, Lochshore (Kilbrinie) and Edinburgh

Why we need you:
This role supports TCV in enabling people and communities to improve their health and wellbeing, develop skills, and make a lasting impact on the environment. A key focus will be delivering projects that contribute to local Biodiversity Action Plans and national strategy—helping to protect and restore habitats, increase species diversity, and create resilient greenspaces for the future. Core to this role is planning and delivering hands-on projects with volunteers from diverse backgrounds and abilities. These may include habitat creation and restoration, tree and wildflower planting, pond building, and other tasks that directly benefit wildlife. You’ll also help volunteers develop their own skills and foster a positive, inclusive environment through clear and supportive communication. We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals with a passion for nature and inspiring others. By giving your time as a TCV Volunteer Officer, you’ll help us reach more people and deliver more projects that improve greenspaces for both people and wildlife. You’ll need to be reliable, organised, and adaptable to ensure workdays run smoothly and outcomes are achieved. Many volunteers value the social aspect of our activities, so being friendly and approachable is essential. We also work with children and young people, so you should feel comfortable engaging with all age groups. No previous experience in conservation is required—we’ll provide training and support. What matters most is your interest in biodiversity and your motivation to make a difference. Show us how your personality and interests make you a great fit for this role.

Benefits to you:
Volunteer Officers (VOs) take on roles with real responsibility—leading projects and supporting groups of volunteers who work to improve green spaces and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature. Being a VO gives you the chance to build practical skills, ecological knowledge, and leadership experience, all while enhancing your employability. Across the Glasgow, Alloa, and Edinburgh regions, TCV delivers a wide variety of biodiversity enhancement projects, including: - Wildflower meadow creation to support pollinators and increase plant diversity. - Tree and hedgerow planting for canopy, habitat connectivity and carbon capture. - Wetland and pond restoration. - Woodland management to improve habitat structure and resilience. - Species monitoring and citizen science activities to track biodiversity. As a VO, you’ll play a key role in planning and delivering these projects with volunteers from diverse backgrounds. You’ll also help create a positive, inclusive environment where volunteers feel valued and inspired. Throughout your time as a VO, you’ll be supported by a nominated Senior Project Officer who will oversee your training and development. While you’ll primarily work on their project, you’ll also have opportunities to shadow and assist other staff, giving you a broad range of experience across different habitats and conservation techniques. What to expect: An induction process including an introduction to TCV, meeting volunteers and staff, and completing essential training in safeguarding, health & safety, and more. - Practical training in First Aid, Risk Assessment, and other relevant skills. - Branded clothing, PPE, and all tools and materials provided. - Reasonable travel expenses covered. No previous experience is required—just enthusiasm for biodiversity and a willingness to learn. We’ll provide the training and support you need to succeed.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with a passion for the natural environment, a desire to help and learn and, who are keen to work as part of a wider team. You will need to be reliable, organised, and punctual to ensure workdays run smoothly and, willing to help out where needed in order to achieve the outcomes of the project or activity. Many of our volunteers value the social aspect of our activities so it is important that you are able to interact with volunteers in a friendly manner to enhance their volunteering experience. You do not need to have any past experience of working with volunteers or volunteering in conservation, but we will ask you to demonstrate why you are interested in volunteering with TCV and what makes you suitable for the Volunteer Officer role. No qualifications are required. A driving license is desirable but not essential for the role.

How much time:
We are looking for a minimum commitment of 1 to 2 days a week, for a minimum of 6 months. We can be flexible in terms of which days it is or if it changes week to week. The opportunity to be VO for more than one day a week will improve the level of experience you gain, the number of opportunities available to you and, the impact you can have on the environment and local communities. Please indicate your availability in your application and we can discuss it in more detail during the interview. We will try to be as accommodating as possible and regularly find that people are able to fit being a VO in around work, studies, and other commitments.

For further details please contact David Meechan on 07773200525.

Email: d.meechan@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.