Volunteer Learning Assistant - Ribble Discovery Centre

Do you remember finding your first ladybird? Share in the excitement as a volunteer by delivering some of our educational sessions to visiting schools and on family events where typical activities include hands on investigations of the mud estuary, sand dunes and woodland and an appreciation of 'Going to the Seaside'.

Our exciting educational programme aims to give young people and families the chance to experience nature first-hand and by leading a group, you can be part of that exciting journey of discovery!

The Ribble estuary is an exceptional place for birds with almost a quarter of a million of them regularly spending the winter there, feeding on the invertebrate-rich expansive mud.

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

The skills you need:

Essential skills/experience needed:
* The confidence and ability to lead or facilitate a fun and active day's education programme both in the field and 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
* Some knowledge of the local history of the area would be an advantage

Notes:

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

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. 

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 and Visitor Experience Officer, on 01253 796292 or via claire.critchley@rspb.org.uk