Learning Support Volunteer - Ribble Discovery Centre

Do you remember seeing your first shore crab? Share in the excitement as a volunteer helping us to deliver our exciting educational programme to visiting school groups and families events where typical activities include hands-on mud dipping on the estuary, mini beast hunting in the woodland and exploration of the sand dunes.

Our learning programme aims to give school children the chance to experience nature first-hand and by leading a group, and you can be part of that rewarding journey of discovery!  We are looking for people to assist our Learning Team with essential supporting tasks such as carrying and caring for equipment and encouraging group members.

The Ribble Discovery Centre, which we run in partnership with Fylde Borough Council, offers a unique hands-on and fun learning experience.  With opportunities to uncover the secrets of the Ribble Estuary mud and creatures that call it home, to practical field work on the sand-dunes, there are opportunities for all key stages.

What's in it for you?

An induction to the site and it's wild and wonderful habitats
Induction to the RSPB, it's vision and ways of working
An opportunity to be part of the country's largest nature conservation charity
The opportunity to become part of a friendly, supportive team
Regular line management support
Opportunities to have fun in an outdoor learning environment with young people and families
Opportunities to share/gain natural history knowledge
Relevant health and safety training
An RSPB uniform and name badge
References, if appropriate

Essential skills/experience needed:
* A keen interest in wildlife, conservation and the environment
* An enthusiasm for outdoor education and a willingness to learn new skills
* A resourceful and flexible approach to be able to cope with a wide variety of ages and abilities of young people
* Abundant enthusiasm and excellent communication skills.
* Ability to communicate effectively with people of differing needs and levels of understanding.
* Ability to work as part of a busy team
*  Good organisation skills
* Computer literacy - ability to use e-mail, internet, word processing

Desirable skills/experience:
* Some ecological knowledge of habitat types would be an advantage
* Some knowledge of the local history of the area would be an advantage

Appropriate training, tools and equipment will be provided and expenses will be reimbursed where necessary.

The RSPB is the country's largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. By volunteering your time and talents you can help us increase our impact and help us save more nature.

For more details and an application form, please contact Claire Critchley, Learning & Visitor Experience Officer, on 01253 796292 or via claire.critchley@rspb.org.uk