Volunteer Learning Assistant - Old Moor

Do you remember fishing for sticklebacks? Share in the excitement by delivering some of our inspiring outdoor learning activities to visiting school groups where typical activities include hands on explorations of meadows, woodlands and ponds and wildlife watching from the hides.

Our learning programme aims to give young people the chance to experience nature first-hand and by leading a group, you can be part of that exciting journey of discovery! We are looking for experienced and enthusiastic people to deliver some of our outdoor learning activities to groups on the reserve.

Situated right at the heart of the Dearne Valley, Old Moor is a wonderful place to come and watch wildlife. The skies, fields and open water are teeming with birds throughout the year. In the summer the grasslands are ablaze with butterflies and orchids, and you'll be able to see newly-hatched ducklings. In winter the reserve is an important stopping-off point for ducks, geese and swans - plus 8,000 golden plovers!

What's in it for you:

An induction to the reserve
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:
* The confidence and ability to lead or facilitate a fun and active day's learning programme both outdoors and in the classroom with a group of young people and their staff
* A keen interest in wildlife, conservation and the environment, but no expertise required!
* 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 a group
* Abundant enthusiasm and excellent communication skills
* Ability to communicate effectively with children of differing needs and levels of understanding
* Able to work as part of a busy team and independently as required
* Good organisation skills.
* Computer literacy - ability to use e-mail, internet, word processing

Desirable skills/experience:
* Out of classroom teaching experience would be an advantage.
* Some ecological knowledge of habitat types would be an advantage
*

In line with our Safeguarding policy, all applicants are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (England and Wales), Access NI in Northern Ireland, or a PVG Scheme registration check from Volunteer Scotland in Scotland. 

References will also be taken up. 

All training necessary and background information will be provided and since you are giving up your time, it is only fair we offer to reimburse your travel expenses (up to 25 miles max).

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.

Some knowledge of the local history of the area would be an advantage.

For more details and an application form, please contact John Clifton, Learning Officer, on 01226 273831 or via john.clifton@rspb.org.uk