Access Clearance for Invasive Species Management

Stockton Volunteers; Stockton (CA); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided

Connect with nature

Meet like-minded individuals

Job summary

A local volunteer organization is seeking volunteers for an Access Clearance role in invasive species management along the River Tees. This position provides a chance to engage in practical conservation work, where volunteers will cut back invasive species and maintain pathways. No previous experience is required, as all training and equipment will be provided. Sessions typically run from 9:30am to 12:30pm with refreshments available. Opportunities are available for both hands-on and virtual involvement.

Qualifications

• No previous experience required for this role.
• Able to walk on uneven surfaces for 1-5km.
• Must bring a chaperone if under 18.

Responsibilities

• Cut back dead wood, brambles, and low lying branches.
• Create pathways and entry points to the river.
• Help to spot and map invasive species along the river.

Job description

Access Clearance for Invasive Species Management

As part of the Tees Invasive Species Project (TISP) we carry out lots of practical, hands‑on management throughout the Tees catchment area to map, monitor and manage invasive species. We focus on 4 main priority species: Giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and Floating pennywort.

Invasive species cause a huge threat to river health, river bank erosion, habitat and biodiversity, human connection to green and blue spaces as well as cost the economy millions of pounds per year.

We have a team of 25 volunteers who come out regularly with us to carry out practical management throughout the year. In the spring and summer months we actively manage the invasives through herbicide application and hand pulling and in the autumn and winter months we cut back pathways along the river bank where they grow to improve our access for continued management.

No previous experience is required – we will provide all training, equipment and PPE.

This activity will involve using hand saws and loppers to create entry points to the river where the invasive species grow.

• Walking on uneven surfaces and close to the river for between 1-5km
• Carrying equipment and using hand tools
• No toilet facilities on site
• Working in remote locations (often on private land)
• Sessions are 9:30am-12:30pm with a break in between – tea/coffee/biscuits are provided

This is an opportunity to meet likeminded individuals, see new places and exclusive parts of the River Tees, connect with nature and make a positive change, be active and learn new skills.

We warmly welcome anyone to our volunteer community and will adapt sessions to support as much as possible.

If you aren’t able to contribute practically but would still like to be involved, please get in touch about our Virtual Volunteering opportunities.

Task:

• Cut back dead wood, brambles and low lying branches
• Create pathways and entry points to the river
• Help to spot and map invasive species along the river

Due to the remoteness of our sites and activities, our practical tasks aren’t suitable to those with physical disabilities.

Under 18’s must bring a chaperone.

Apply for this position

• Name (Required)
• Email address (Required)
• Phone number (Required)
• Tell us a bit about yourself in relation to this role (Required)