Centre Assistant Volunteer
Description
Why we want you
RSPB Rainham Marshes is one of the very few ancient landscapes remaining in London, located right next to the River Thames. Visitors to the nature reserve can expect to see breeding wader birds in spring and summer, large flocks of wild ducks in winter, birds of prey, water voles and rare dragonflies.
We want to ensure that every visitor to the reserve has a brilliant time and is inspired to come back again and again - this is where you come in!
We're looking to build a team of Centre Assistants whose role it is to, (yes, you guessed it!) help out in our fabulous visitor centre. Sometimes the centre can get very busy and we would like a team of people to help! It could involve anything from greeting visitors, helping at events, serving hot drinks in the café, talking to customers in the shop, or chatting about wildlife or pointing it out as it dashes past!
The key attribute we're looking for is 'people' skills - you'd need to be very comfortable and happy chatting to people and understand the importance of giving our visitors a great experience. Specifically we'd need you to: enthuse visitors about Rainham Marshes and the wildlife they can see there; provide them with all the information they'd need to make the most of their visit (we'd brief you on all this beforehand); inspire people about the work of the RSPB and ask them whether they'd like to become a member (if they aren't already).
This flexible role will let you choose what you want to do and when! If it's busy in a certain area of the centre go there, if it's quiet you can decide to go out and show people wildlife!
NB We'd train you in everything you need to know beforehand and you DON'T need to be a bird expert. Just have a passion for nature and wildlife.
What’s in it for you?
A wonderful opportunity to really make a difference to our work in an amazing setting! Meet lots of new people: reserve visitors, staff and fellow volunteers. Learn more about the reserve and the wildlife that uses it.
You'll get the opportunity to work in different aspects of our visitor operation - from catering and retail to our people engagement.
The RSPB is the country's largest nature conservation body, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. Volunteering can help you gain skills and give you a valuable insight into our work.
The skills you need
If you're a 'people person', friendly, approachable and have good understanding of the importance of giving visitors a first class experience then this could be the role for you!
You need to be confident initiating conversations with people and tailoring your conversation to suit.
We'd train you in everything you need to know beforehand and you DON'T need to be a bird expert. Just have a passion for nature and wildlife.
Your time
Minimum commitment: 1-2 days per month at weekends and school holidays (for a few hours per day) though very flexible.
Duration: Ongoing
Period: all year round
Who to contact
Louise Moss
Tel: 01708 899843
Notes
We'd reimburse your travel expenses to and from the reserve whenever you volunteer for us (up to a 25 mile radius), invite you to reserve volunteer thank you events and of course support you fully in your role.