Volunteer Conservation Leaders

Do you care about wildlife and want to do something to make a difference?

Would you like to share your passion for the environment with others?

Want to gain experience in the conservation sector and learn new skills?

We are looking for Conservation Leaders to join our team. Could it be you?

As a volunteer Conservation Leader with Plymouth Environmental Action (PEA) you will work as part of a friendly and supportive team, developing and leading practical conservation events in and around Plymouth. You will spend your time teaching people about the environment and trying your hand at a variety of practical conservation skills, such as tree planting and maintenance, species and habitat surveys and marine conservation activities, as well as improving your wildlife ID expertise. You will also have the opportunity to get involved with planning new events and the various different roles of a non-profit committee. You will gain excellent work experience that will be valued by employers, develop a range of transferable skills such as leadership, team-working and event planning. Many of our Conservation Leaders have gone on to find employment in the environment/charity sector after their time volunteering with PEA.

What we are looking for in a Conservation Leader:

Our Conservation Leaders are enthusiastic and enjoy leading conservation projects outdoors. You will have excellent communication skills, a passion for the environment and be able to engage well with people. You may also have experience leading groups or working with volunteers. We are looking for Conservation Leaders who can lead one conservation event per month and can also attend our monthly committee meetings to assist with planning and organising events.

Conservation Leader responsibilities:

• Organising and leading practical days with groups of volunteers (mainly at weekends, but may include weekdays)
• Driving to and from the project site
• Fundraising and promoting the organisation at community engagement events and university fairs
• Training volunteers and future conservation leaders
• Attending committee meetings to organise future events, develop new projects and take on basic organisational responsibilities to keep PEA running smoothly

What we need from you:

Essential:

• A love of the environment and the ability to work with conservation volunteers
• Willing to spend time leading projects outdoors (sometimes in remote locations)
• Be able to communicate with and connect well with others
• Have time to dedicate at least one practical conservation event per month for a minimum of 12 months and one committee meeting a month 

Desirable:

• Practical conservation or countryside management experience
• Experience managing groups of people outdoors or working with volunteers
• Have time available during the week (can be evenings) for administration tasks
• Drivers licence, a car and willingness to take turns driving to and from events with tools and equipment
• A qualification in Countryside Management, Biological or Environmental Science, or related subject

If you have a passion for the environment and want to share it with others we would love to hear from you. 

 Deadline: Midnight 1st June 2025. Interviews are likely to take place in the following week.