Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Volunteer Education Trainee

Hours of work:3 days per week; Tue, Wed, Thu preferred but negotiable. A commitment of 6 – 9 months is required

Based at:

Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, near Didcot

BACKGROUND

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (also known as BBOWT) was formed in 1959 and has a vision of an environment rich in wildlife for everyone, valued by all. We aim to lead the way to nature’s recovery through innovative land management, and connect people with nature to improve their wellbeing. We work in partnership and through collaborative projects with local communities, businesses, land owners and local authorities. In the three counties BBOWT owns or manages 90 nature reserves covering 2,500 hectares. We have more than 50,000 members, employ over 130 professional staff, and have active support from more than 1,350 volunteers. Each year round 12,000 schoolchildren visit our education centres. BBOWT has an annual turnover of over £5 million and receives income from membership subscriptions, grants and donations.BBOWT is one of 47 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK, each is a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

The Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre and nature reserve is

BBOWT’s base for the delivery of environmental education programmes in Oxfordshire. Our programmes provide exciting hands-on opportunities for children to experience a learning adventure in the outdoors. In the last year alone over 3000 children have visited with their schools, and many families have enjoyed the range of events and activities we run during the holidays.

ROLE PURPOSE

To assist with running Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre

REPORTING LINE

Reports directly to the county Education Officer

KEY AREAS OF INVOLVEMENT

  • Assisting with, and leading,groups visiting the site
  • Assisting with, and leading,Nature Tots sessions
  • Assisting with outreach sessions at schools
  • Supporting the development and delivery of educational events for families, specialist groups and the general public (on and off site)
  • Assisting with maintenance and development of educational resources and facilities
  • Carrying out general administrative tasks that support the work of the education team
  • To ensure that all health and safety obligations are met in all aspects of the role, in particular, to ensure implementation of Child Welfare and Safety Code of Practice
  • To provide regular reports as required
  • To engender a culture of membership recruitment within the team
  • Any other duties as delegated by the line manager, Head of Department or Chief Executive

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential / Desirable
Desire to work in environmental education / 
Desire to work with children, young people and adults / 
Relevant education / 
Experience working with children and young people / 
A good general knowledge of wildlife and habitats / 
A good understanding of Health & Safety requirements and welfare issues of working with children / 
Good organisational skills / 
Good communication skills / 
Current UK-valid driving licence / 
Ability to deal with the general public, Trust members and volunteers in a friendly and professional manner in a variety of situations / 
Enthusiasm for developing the skills and standards required to carry out environmental education, family events and activities / 
Ability to work with a range of people from different age groups and backgrounds / 
Willingness to work occasional weekends / 
Willingness to work flexibly and resourcefully / 

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEER AND POSSIBLE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

  • This busy, hands-on traineeship provides an ideal starting point towards a paid job in the environmental education sector
  • A range of internal courses can be provided through BBOWT’s ‘Developing Your Skills’ programme.
  • First Aid training can be arranged
  • Relevant external environmental education training courses to be discussed with manager
  • Limited travel expenses are available

MEASUREMENTS OF SUCCESS

  • Attendance and organisation
  • Development of educational delivery skills
  • Development of independent working skills
  • Clear and positive communication with colleagues and visitors
  • Time management

This post will be DBS checked at enhanced level. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining the position. BBOWT will not unfairly discriminate on the basis of criminal convictions. BBOWT’s policy regarding this matter and the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice are available on request.

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