Reserve Visitor Engagement (Volunteer Trails Ranger - Mersehead)
Job Description
The RSPB manages a big network of nature reserves which are havens for wildlife, and importantly very special places for people of all ages and abilities to visit and experience a nature rich landscape.
Nature is in trouble, there aren't many places left where wildlife can thrive, that is why we want to welcome more people to these places. However, to keep visitors better informed and ensure disturbance is kept minimal to our nature, we need help with engaging our visitors while out on the reserve trails or in hides.
The wide open spaces offered here at Mersehead draw many people, with a wide range of interests to this part of the coast.
We are looking for volunteer rangers who can monitor and engage visitors on the reserve. Our site can attract all sorts of people, from dog walkers and sightseers to more specialised nature enthusiasts. Many of our visitors are first timers, unsure of directions or distances, while others may be less familiar with respecting the needs of nature and can be approached to give guidance.
As a volunteer involved with visitor engagement, tasks undertaken will include some of the following:
- Providing a friendly welcome to visitors encountered around the site/trails and offer guidance on access/disturbance or updates on any developments.
- Having conversations with visitors and finding out how you can further help them on their visit, whether that's pointing out where toilet or café services are or where to see/find specific wildlife.
- Helping monitor visitor behaviour (including any matters concerning dogs or activities that contravene guidelines for responsible access and land use, in lieu of Scottish Outdoor Access Code, as well as the Code of Conduct for visitors on RSPB sites). It is not expected that you would be required to approach or tackle such incidents.
- Talking to the public about the work of the RSPB, what we're all about and asking them if they would like to support this in various ways.
- Report any wildlife sightings or other matters that can be relayed back to visitor centre, to keep our team and visitors updated.
Full training and support will be provided for this role but you do **need to be a 'people person'** and have good communication skills.
Equipment (such as binoculars and/or telescope) can also be provided.
This is a really rewarding and enjoyable role. You will be working with a friendly team on a beautiful nature reserve, you will have the opportunity to make new friends and spend time outdoors. You will get to meet loads of new people in this role, enjoying conversation and helping people have a wonderful visit.
There is always the opportunity to learn new things and gain skills through volunteering, by working on a reserve, you'll naturally learn all about how nature reserves are managed and the wildlife that is found there.
As with all engagement with our visitors, any challenges must be approached in a manner that meets the RSPB's Volunteering Code of Conduct.
This role is suitable for under 18s or vulnerable/protected adults, so long as they are accompanied by a responsible carer and can meet the necessary requirements stated.