VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:Sustainability Volunteer

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:Sustainability Volunteer

Why do we need you?

At WWT we use resources creatively to maximum effect, looking for new solutions to challenges. We wish to improve the sustainability of our work and reduce our environmental impact through demonstrable actions across the organisation. We want to deliver key sustainability initiatives on the ground, and we are looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable sustainability volunteer to help us do this.

There are various key projects which you will be contributing to, including improving the carbon monitoring systems at the centres, updating the sustainability policy, reporting on sustainability progress at WWT and raising awareness of sustainability issues amongst WWT staff and volunteers.

Additionally you will be supported to investigate other projects based on your own skills, knowledge and interests, possibly including energy saving / renewable energy projects or the advancement of our ISO14001 accreditation.

Who will be responsible for your role?Chris Rostron, Head of Wetland Link International

Where will you be based?WWT Slimbridge (there may also be opportunities to work from home at times).

How much time will it take?Ideally a minimum of 3 days per week over 3 months

What will you be doing?

•Promoting and encouraging sustainable best practice across WWT;

•Assisting with the gathering of information & reporting on energy use, expenditure and strategies for reducing energy use;

•Assisting with development of the tracking system for business travel, and reporting on results;

•Developing internal communications around sustainability issues;

•Supporting sustainability representatives across the 9 WWT wetland centres;

•Identifying opportunities for WWT to improve the sustainability of its management and operations.

Who are we looking for?

This role will suit you if you have an enthusiasm for, and understanding of, sustainability in its broadest sense of the three ‘pillars’ of the environment, society and economy, and an ability to help us put these into practice at our WWT head office at Slimbridge, as well as our 8 other wetland centres. You will ideally have some or all of the following:

•In-depth knowledge of sustainability issues in both the built & natural environment;

•Good knowledge of Microsoft packages, include Word and Excel;

•Ability to compile clear, analytical reports on complex data sets;

•Ability to communicate sustainability messages to a range of audiences.

How will you benefit?

We recognise that volunteering is a two way relationship, and as well as helping us to achieve WWT’s aims, we also hope to support you through offering:

•An excellent opportunity to work within an internationally important wetland site;

•Valuable experience in delivering sustainability outputs as part of an established team, within a complex and active organisation;

•Experience of working within an internationally important conservation organisation;

•Discount is available in the cafe and shop on the days of volunteering;

•Training opportunities may be offered.

General notes:

There are various options for travelling to WWT Slimbridge. Cam & Dursley rail station is a 3.5 mile cycle or taxi ride away. Unfortunately there is no bus service directly to Slimbridge: the nearest services stop at the A38 leaving a walk through the village to reach us. Ample car parking spaces are available at the Centre, and there may be opportunities to lift share with other WWT staff or volunteers.

We regret that we are not in a position to reimburse expenses incurred for travel to the site. Any pre-agreed out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the course of the role will be reimbursed.

This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid. Any offer of a volunteer placement is not intended to create a legally binding contract between us and any agreement may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. Neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

How to Apply:

Please go to to see details of this role and then complete and submit the online application form. Please email if you have any problems with completing the application form. If you have any questions regarding the role please email

Closing Date:

Please submit all completed application forms by Friday 30thOctober 2015. After this date successful applicants will be asked to come to the centre and meet the team, find out more about the role and discuss availability before being offered a placement.

Date raised: 11 September 2015 EP/SH