We are looking for someone to join our team and lead some weekend/evening wildlife area volunteer sessions:
Job Title: Wildlife Area Volunteer Lead (Freelance)
Location: Rowntree Park, York
Hourly Rate: £14.50 per hour
Approximate Monthly Hours: 7 hours (2-hour sessions held fortnightly, plus planning and prep time)
Total: £1218 for around 12 months (tbd how time is used)
Who we Are:
The Friends of Rowntree Park is a community-focused charity dedicated to enhancing and maintaining Rowntree Park in York. While the park is managed by the City of York Council, our charity plays an integral role in ensuring its continued care through volunteer-driven initiatives. We promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing through a wide range of activities such as gardening, conservation, and community events. We are currently expanding our volunteer base and are seeking a Wildlife Area Volunteer Lead to help us manage and grow our wildlife conservation project.
Role Overview:
We are looking for a passionate, nature-loving individual to lead volunteer sessions at our Wildlife Area. This role involves overseeing tasks and activities focused on enhancing the biodiversity and natural habitat of the park. The ideal candidate will have an interest in nature, gardening, and conservation, along with experience or a willingness to lead a group of volunteers. The role requires someone good at managing people and projects, a good understanding of health and safety practices, as well as some basic knowledge of gardening and biodiversity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Volunteer Sessions: Organise and lead approximately 2-hour sessions running fortnightly in the Wildlife Area, with some flexibility depending on the season etc. This would usually be at weekends with some ocassional week evening sessions (some flexibility).
- Project Planning: Continue to plan and develop the ongoing wildlife conservation project, including the management of the hedge, pond and bog garden, orchard, meadow grasses, wildflower meadow, and other habitats.
- Task Management: Supervise and support volunteers during sessions, ensuring tasks are carried out effectively and safely.
- Health and Safety: Ensure all health and safety guidelines are followed during volunteer sessions.
- Team Coordination: Help build and maintain a strong, engaged team of volunteers, providing direction and motivation.
- Preparation and Reporting: Plan, prepare, and review activities in advance of each session, and report on progress to the relevant Friends of Rowntree Park leads.
Skills and experience:
- Strong interest in nature conservation, gardening, and biodiversity.
- Previous experience in leading or supervising groups, especially volunteers is useful.
- Basic knowledge of gardening and wildlife-friendly practices.
- Understanding of health and safety requirements for outdoor volunteer activities.
- Ability to motivate and inspire volunteers to achieve project goals.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of local flora and fauna, particularly in relation to wildlife areas and habitat restoration.
- Experience in project management and volunteer coordination.
Additional Information:
- The Wildlife Area is located at the back of the recreation field near the Butcher Terrace/Millennium Gates of Rowntree Park, York.
- The role is freelance, with an approximate commitment of 7 hours per month.
If you are passionate about nature and wildlife conservation and enjoy working with a team of volunteers, we would love to hear from you!
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter, no longer than 2 sides of A4 explaining why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience to Abigail Gaines, Charity Manager, – hello@rowntreepark.org.uk
Deadline 24th March 2024
