Volunteer Reserve Assistant

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust; Steeple Claydon; On-site; Full time

Job description

Wetland conservation, creation and management

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 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.

This role would suit you if:

• You are practically minded
• You are physically fit and able to lift/use power tools
• You have a can‑do attitude
• You are willing to get stuck into working outdoors and are happy to work in all weathers
• You can work independently using your own initiative and keep self‑motivated
• You have experience of habitat management or are willing to develop these skills
• You are confident in talking to and engaging with visitors, and can adapt your communication style to suit your audience
• You enjoy working as part of a small close‑working team of staff and volunteers

Additional notes

• Please note that you must be aged 18+ for this role.
• Volunteer work parties take place on Thursdays. Potential adjustments can be discussed and could be arranged, but this is not guaranteed.

About Us

We are WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn new skills or spend time in our wildlife‑rich wetlands, there’s a volunteer role for you. Just a few hours spent volunteering can really make a world of difference to our wildlife, and to you.

So, come surround yourself with the wonder of wetlands, and the people who inject their energy and passion into them. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. The only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love volunteering at WWT

• Make a real contribution to the conservation and engagement work of WWT
• Work at one of our beautiful and internationally important wetland sites
• Be surrounded and inspired by like‑minded nature lovers who bring energy, passion, and expertise to their role
• Make new friends and become part of a friendly and inclusive community
• Gain volunteering experience and learn & develop new skills
• Get volunteer discounts for WWT shops, café, and membership
• Get free entry to all our UK wetland centres, including for your family
• Receive access to wildlife talks, webinars, and practical information to help you manage your volunteer role & daily life
• Keep informed about what’s happening in our organisation and the positive change you are helping to make happen