Role summary

Visitor volunteers help deliver the day to day management and conservation of the Farne Islands National Nature Reserve, a small island group off the coast of Northumberland. We are offering an opportunity for three people to join our team, volunteering alongside our rangers to experience assisting us in one of Europe’s foremost seabird and seal colonies. We’re looking for three people able to help us three or four days a week either on a 9am – 2pm volunteer shift, or 12.30 – 5pm volunteer shift. We hope this will make it possible for our volunteers to carry out paid work when not volunteering.

This role will suit you if you are someone who can demonstrate a passion for nature and the outdoors and has undertaken some volunteering with people. You will have enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, be prepared to get stuck in to any task and be adaptable to being in a remote place as the islands may be closed last minute due to poor weather conditions (this generally happens up to a third of the time). You will share your passion with our visitors so having an interest in our visitors is also important. Although life out on the islands can be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding and it is a privilege to be a part of.

What's involved?

• Engaging visitors in the work we do, ensuring our birds are well protected and chatting to our visitors
• Learning safety and risk management through training and study, such as emergency procedures, fire training and biosecurity procedures in support of the Duty Manager as required. This role would not require the volunteer to be Duty Manager
• Helping visitors through welcoming visitors to the jetty, checking tickets, volunteering in the shop and visitor centre, giving welcome talks and sharing our conservation work with our visitors
• Upholding the National Trust Health & Safety and 'Values & Behaviours' policies at all times
• There may be other tasks we ask you to assist with that are a part of the work to Trust does on a remote island, including preparing the islands for visitors, assisting with health and safety checks, and any other upkeep required to support done by the Rangers or Area Ranger
• Interviews will occur on 13 Feb 2020 – you must be available for interview in Newcastle City Centre on this date.

As your role develops, so too will your opportunities for learning. While helping to deliver the Trusts core purpose of protecting beautiful places forever, for everyone, you will be supported in your role through mentoring and in house and training.