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Be willing to go wild!
Last modified: 09 January 2012
Schoolchildren outside the visitor centre, RSPB Old Moor reserve
There is now an exciting opportunity for anyone with a passion for wildlife to spend a year in fantastic surroundings and gain valuable experience by volunteering with the RSPB in the Dearne Valley.
RSPB Volunteer Visitor Officer Internships are a great way to get the experience needed for a visitor related job in conservation and for the first time it is being hosted by RSPB Old Moor in Barnsley. This role will involve welcoming visitors to the nature reserve, helping with guided walks, running events and working with local communities and the media to inspire people about how amazing nature is.
This residential volunteer internship scheme will provide relevant training, networking opportunities, on the job mentoring and support as well as the wonderful experience of living and working on a stunning nature reserve with fantastic people.
Applicants do not need to be wildlife experts. Having a passion for wildlife, being a good communicator and a ‘people person’ are far more important.
Beki Williams, Visitor Officer Intern said: “I have had an amazing year; I’ve done so many things I wouldn’t have imagined doing, and met some super people. I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to enthuse people about nature and see the enjoyment they get from it. It really is an experience I have gained a lot from and I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about a career in conservation.”
The intern will spend time at two reserves, both of which provide free accommodation. Four volunteer internship opportunities are available and start in March. The nature reserves involved are Old Moor in the Dearne Valley, Fairburn Ings near Castleford, Leighton Moss on the border of Lancashire and Cumbria, and Coombes Valley in Staffordshire.
The closing date for applications is 9.00 am Monday 16 January. For more information about Internships and other RSPB volunteering opportunities, please visit www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering or email: kate.whitehead@rspb.org.uk.
What can I do?
Join over 9,000 RSPB people and volunteer for the RSPB. Whatever your background we probably have an opportunity for you - even if you do not know much about birds.
Volunteer for the RSPB