Volunteer Coordinator (Giving Corncrake a Home)

Join a conservation project and help bring one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic birds back from the brink!

The Giving Corncrake a Home project has successfully reintroduced corncrakes to Rathlin Island, and now we’re looking for a passionate Volunteer Coordinator to help us continue this incredible journey.

About the Project

Corncrakes need early-growing plants like nettles for cover when they return from migration. Our mission is to restore this habitat on Rathlin Island. From October to February, we run weekly volunteer work parties to dig nettle roots (rhizomes) on the mainland, wash them, and prepare them for planting on Rathlin in March.

Commitment: 1–2 days per week

Your Role

As Volunteer Coordinator, you’ll help make this project a success by supporting volunteers and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Key Responsibilities:

• Hands-on conservation: Join nettle dig days, wash and store rhizomes ready for planting.
• Volunteer recruitment: Attend events, fairs, and student open days to inspire new volunteers.
• Communications: Write blogs, newsletters, and social media posts to raise awareness.
• Organisation & admin: Use RSPB systems to manage volunteer records, expenses, and communications; schedule dig days; write risk assessments.
• Community engagement: Help organise a Corncrake Community event and liaise with landowners to identify nettle-rich areas.

Why This Role is Perfect for You

• Full training provided – You don’t need prior experience; we’ll teach you everything you need to know.
• Ongoing support – You’ll never be on your own. Our team will guide you every step of the way.
• Skill-building – From conservation techniques to communication and project management, you’ll gain experience that looks great on your CV.
• Meet new people – Work with volunteers, landowners, and communities while making lasting connections.
• Make an impact – Your work will directly help restore habitat for one of NI’s most threatened species.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical conservation experience.
• Communication skills.
• Public engagement with diverse stakeholders.
• Project planning and administration.
• Confidence and leadership skills.

What’s in it for You?

• Be part of the largest bird conservation charity in Europe.
• Receive full training and ongoing support.
• Access RSPB systems and resources, including an RSPB mobile phone.
• Flexible working from home
• A chance to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation.

Ideal Skills

• Organised and detail-oriented.
• Friendly, approachable, and a great communicator.
• Able to inspire others and work as part of a team.
• Creative, proactive, and tech-savvy.
• Comfortable working independently and from home.

This is a rewarding, hands-on role where you’ll help volunteers have an unforgettable experience while making a genuine impact on wildlife conservation. If you’re passionate about nature and want to start your conservation career, we’d love to hear from you!