Site Checks and Maintenance Volunteer (RSPB Norfolk Broads Reserves)

Do you want to have a long-lasting effect on nature? Do you like to do DIY? Do you like to problem solve?

We need Estate Maintenance Volunteers to help look after the RSPB's Norfolk Broads Reserves. This role is about maintaining our visitor infrastructure and will mostly be based at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen but will also involve some work on our other reserves around the Norfolk Broads. This role offers the opportunity to use your practical skills in the field to make a real difference for nature and our visitors.

Estate Maintenance Volunteers play a vitally important role in the day to day running of our reserves. This role is all about maintaining our infrastructure including hides, viewpoints and boardwalks to enhance our visitors experience of the awe-inspiring wildlife that live on our reserves. We are looking for people who are driven and passionate about creating opportunities for visitors to witness and fall in love with nature. You can help by taking on a regular shift which would include checking the infrastructure on our reserves and undertaking a varied selection of practical tasks throughout the year.

The RSPBs Norfolk Broads Reserves, including RSPB Strumpshaw Fen and RSPB Buckenham Marshes, are a very special place for wildlife and people. They are home to many rare and endemic Broadland species. This volunteer role offers you the chance to work in the heart of the Norfolk Broads where your colleagues will be majestic marsh harriers, soaring swallowtail butterflies, booming bitterns and secretive otters.

This role can vary from day to day and season to season, but can include the following:

• Checking paths, fences and benches and fixing any issues.
• Maintaining, repairing and building hides, bridges and boardwalks etc.
• Maintaining our buildings to a high standard.
• Completing maintenance checks on equipment.
• Checking/replacing signage.
• Chatting to visitors about the work we do on our reserves.

Training and support will be provided but for this role the following are desirable:

• An enthusiasm to make things great.
• DIY skills including competency with hand tools and drills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Problem solving skills.

This is a really rewarding role. You will enjoy doing your role in a beautiful wildlife rich setting, the great outdoors will be your place of work, and you will be able to take it at your own pace. This role will involve a reasonable amount of physical activity, so it will enable you to keep your fitness levels high. You will be making a genuine contribution to nature, while also making our reserves a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

By ensuring that the maintenance of our reserve’s infrastructure is done in a timely and efficient manner, you’ll have a long-lasting impact on the experiences of our visitors and help to nurture a love of nature within them. In doing so, you will be making a real difference for nature.