Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Residential on Reserve (More than 4 weeks) (Practical Conservation Volunteer, 6 months))

RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond is a flagship site for nature conservation and visitor experience in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The reserve covers a range of habitats including grassland, woodland, and bog/fen and supports a vast range of species such as osprey, beaver, redstart, and small pearl-bordered fritillary. During your stay, you will live on the reserve in a stunning location. You will be an integral part of the reserve team. You will have your own development plan to grow skills that will aid you in finding employment in the conservation field. Previous volunteers have gone on to gain employment in the conservation sector and this is something that we as a team pride ourselves on.

No two days are the same. There are many aspects to the role, from helping with habitat management actions, maintaining reserve infrastructure, to supporting our visitor team in delivering our ever-expanding visitor offer.

This is a full-time residential volunteering position; however, it can be a four day a week position if the candidate requires a part time job alongside the volunteering placement.

When: 8th April 2024 to the 4th October 2024 (specific dates flexible). Commitment: 6 months

What you will be doing

• Practical conservation/management tasks. E.g., invasive species removal, vegetation management to benefit target species
• Undertaking wildlife monitoring and surveying. E.g., botanical recording, moth trapping, butterfly surveys, spotted crake surveys
• Reserve checks and general reserve infrastructure maintenance. E.g., livestock checks, path maintenance, fence repairs
• Undertaking routine evening and daytime patrols to monitor for disturbance and antisocial behaviour.
• Visitor operations. E.g., welcoming visitors at the visitor hub and directing them to points of interest, helping at public events, lending a hand in with guided walks

What’s in it for you

• Develop essential skills for a future job in conservation, e.g., Assistant Warden
• Free accommodation on site, providing a truly immersive volunteering experience
• You will have the opportunity to work in a beautiful wildlife-rich setting, located within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Nature Reserve.

Requirements

• 18+
• Driving licence essential
• An interest in wildlife conservation and ecology
• Enthusiasm to learn a wide range of skills related to running a nature reserve
• Able to walk long distances over rough terrain and carry out strenuous manual tasks
• Comfortable working outside in all weather conditions
• Ability to work alone and as part of a diverse team
• Willingness to work a flexible rota, which will include evenings and weekends
• Available for the full six months
• Ability and desire to live in shared accommodation

Closing date for application is the 29th February 2024. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Successful candidates will be invited to an interview via Microsoft Teams.

The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for all of us. We belong to BirdLife International, the global partnership of bird conservation organisations. Your time and skills could make a real difference to the work of the RSPB, and it would be great if you could join us.