Site Checks and Maintenance Volunteer (Fire Watch Volunteer)

During dry weather the moorlands around Dove Stone are vulnerable to fire due to arson, campfires, BBQs and discarded litter.

These fires are devastating to wildlife and the fragile moorland landscape and they destroy the places people love and cherish, and threaten restoration works.

We need volunteers to act as an early warning system for moorland fires, using your eyes (and noses!) to check for smoke and flames during dry times throughout the early spring and into the summer depending on weather, contacting 999 and the site team should you see anything to report.

Key Tasks

Be available and willing to commit to a minimum of 2 hours per week during high fire risk, preferably during late afternoon/evening and as part of a rota of volunteers

Spend time alone or as a pair in locations around Dove Stone, Holme Moss, Crowden and Arnfield during dry weather at times of high fire risk. This can simply be watching from your car at a specific location. Respond to requests for volunteers to be on duty and/let us know when not available

Report the location of any fires to the Fire Service on 999 (using a map and grid reference or what3words app – training can be provided)

Report the location of the fire to the RSPB Site Manager as soon as the Fire Service has been called

Key Skills

Have access to own vehicle and be able to drive safely and legally on the roads

Mobile phone (ideally a smartphone which will support the what3words app)

Be available and willing to be part of a rota of Fire Watch volunteers and to be able to commit time to the role at least once a week in high fire season, especially in late afternoon and/or evening

Resources/Training

Ability to use an ordnance survey map and GPS/compass

Ability to use what3words app

Training can be provided on any of the above and fire watchers can initially be accompanied by a member of staff until they are confident in the role

‘‘Thank you for reading this role description. For a more detailed description of the role please click the download link for Fire watch volunteer role profile doc.pdf as the "More about this role" tab will just give you a general guide to the wider volunteer program"