Swanwick Lakes Volunteer Warden

Purpose of the role:

• To promote and enhance visitors’ enjoyment and understanding of wildlife, Swanwick Lakes and the work of the Wildlife Trust and to be the ‘eyes and ears’ on the reserve.
• Provide information to visitors and ensure that their behaviour is compatible with the aims of managing a nature reserve.

Times/days we'd like you to be available:

• Weekday evenings, weekend days and evenings and bank holidays (on a rota basis)

Tasks involved in this role:

• Welcoming and talking to members of the public about the Trust, Swanwick Lakes and wildlife/sustainability (no expertise required but interest in wildlife desirable).
• Help visitors with their identification and knowledge of wildlife.
• To be a ‘visible presence’ on site and provide a friendly, approachable point of contact for visitors.
• To ‘warden’ the site ensuring visitor safety where possible. Provide information to visitors and ensure that their behaviour is compatible with the aims of managing a nature reserve so long as this does not compromise the safety of the warden.
• To increase visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the work carried out by the Trust at Swanwick Lakes and across the county.
• Undertake minor practical site management tasks, for example cutting back overhanging branches or dealing with minor path obstructions and problems.
• Promote and encourage visitors to support the Trust through membership, donations, attending events and volunteering.
• Help maintain the site in a clean and tidy condition by clearing up rubbish as appropriate and making sure leaflets are available.
• Undertake other such appropriate assistance in relation to the role of Swanwick Lakes volunteer as may be reasonably requested by the Trust manager.
• Work in compliance with the Trust’s Health and Safety Policy and Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy at all times, taking appropriate action and reporting back on potential hazards, accidents and other issues such as evacuation and emergency procedures.

Skills and abilities needed:

Essential:

• Trustworthy, reliable and responsible
• Happy to talk to members of public
• Ability to remain motivated and enjoy watching wildlife on “quiet” days with fewer visitors (or wildlife)
• Happy to handle small amounts of money

Desirable:

• Experience of working with members of the public 
• Previous or current volunteering experience with the Trust in other capacities
• Ability to enthuse visitors
• Have an interest in local wildlife, particularly watching it and learning about it
• Have an interest in wildlife conservation and sustainability

• Meet new people
• Learn new skills
• Gain experience in being involved with the Wildlife Trust
• Have an influence and input into your local wildlife reserve
• Possible opportunities for taking part in training courses relevant to the role

What's in it for you...!

• Meet new people
• Learn new skills
• Gain experience in being involved with the Wildlife Trust
• Have an influence and input into your local wildlife reserve
• Possible opportunities for taking part in training courses relevant to the role

Expenses:

Reimbursement of out of pocked travel costs between home and location of volunteering and other reasonable expenses agreed with your Trust manager.

Apply Now