Visitor Engagement Volunteer (On Reserves) (Wildlife Guide)

The RSPB manages a big network of nature reserves which are havens for wildlife, and importantly very special places for people of all ages and abilities to visit and experience a nature rich landscape.

Sitting on the river Dyfi , RSPB Ynys-hir is a mosaic of habitats from Celtic woodlands, reedbeds, fresh water pools saltmarsh and wet grassland providing a variety of wildlife experiences all year round. The reserve attracts a variety of visitors, from experienced birdwatchers to first-timers, families and young explorers! We are looking for passionate wildlife enthusiasts who are keen to share their knowledge with others through our ‘Guide in a Hide’ role. Ideally this role is carried out at weekends and school holidays where we are at our busiest.

Out on the reserve you will be an ambassador for the RSPB, engaging with a diverse audience and facilitating an enjoyable experience for all visitors. Duties will vary depending on the audience, where you are based, and the season but can include:

• Providing a friendly welcome to visitors on arrival and tailoring your communication to suit their differing knowledge and interests
• Informing new and inexperienced visitors of best practices in bird hides, use of binoculars and telescopes, and species identification
• Ensuring hides clean and tidy, all visitors are offered reasonable viewing time, and supporting any visitors who require assistance.
• Keeping visitors informed on the current activities of breeding species such as Lapwings and Pied flycatchers, their habits, breeding cycle and the work we have undertaken on site to support them
• Listening to feedback, and communicating back to staff at the visitor centre.
• Recording and reporting sightings for the day
• Talking to the public about the wider work of the RSPB, what we're all about, and the benefits of RSPB membership if the conversation takes you there.

Appropriate training will be provided to support your existing skills, but you do need to be a ‘people person’ with confidence and good communication skills and know your birds and wildlife.

This is a really rewarding and enjoyable role. You will be working with a friendly team on a beautiful nature reserve, you will have the opportunity to make new friends and spend time outdoors. You will get to meet loads of new people in this role, enjoying conversation and helping people have a wonderful visit.

There is always the opportunity to learn new things and gain skills through volunteering, by working on a reserve, you'll naturally learn all about how nature reserves are managed and the wildlife that is found there.

We are committed to making our organisation diverse and inclusive, and as such are keen to encourage applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities.