Schools on Reserves Leader (Learning and Visitor Experience Volunteer)

Our reserves offer school groups the opportunity to book outdoor sessions in which they learn about and are inspired by the beautiful and amazing wildlife on the reserve. Our Schools on Reserves programme aims to give schoolchildren the chance to experience nature first-hand and by helping the group you can be part of that exciting journey of discovery!

This role also entails assisting the visitor experience operation, by helping promote, plan, prepare and deliver visitor events, to support the broader site operation. You will gain experiences of event marketing and promotion, working in partnership with a wider site team and delivery of a quality schools programme.

As a Schools on Reserve Leader you can help us inspire school children, giving them the chance to experience nature first-hand. By being part of that exciting journey of discovery you will help our Learning Officer in making sure the children get the most out of their visit. You will be leading the delivery high quality standardised learning activities to school children who are visiting the site with their school.

Support and training will be provided but we are looking for people with the following interests, skills and experience:

• A keen interest in wildlife, conservation and the environment.
• An enthusiasm for outdoor education and willingness to learn new skills.
• A resourceful and flexible approach to be able to cope with a wide variety of ages and abilities of children.
• The confidence and ability to lead or facilitate a fun and active day's education programme with a group of students and their teacher.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children of differing needs and levels of understanding.
• Self-motivated with ability to work as part of a team and alone.
• An interest in social media and online marketing

 Desirable skills/experience:

• Field 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.

If you are interested in supporting rather than leading education sessions, please ask us about Volunteer Learning Support opportunities.

This is a really rewarding role and offers the opportunity to make a big impact for children and nature. We'll give you training and experience to build your confidence in leading sessions where children have wonderful hands-on experiences with nature. We can potentially give you the skills and experience to kick start a career in environmental or community education. You'll be part of a friendly team of staff and volunteers and have the opportunity to make new friends.