Grounds and Reserve Volunteer

At WWT, we shape unforgettable experiences. By volunteering as part of the Reserves team you will be assisting us to ensure the site is looking its best, which in turn will provide visitors with an inspiring day out. We believe in the creation and conservation of wetlands and informing people of solutions that can work in today’s society. In assisting WWT with providing this experience you are helping people to understand and connect to wetlands.

Washington’s inner grounds and outer reserve have a lot of infrastructure which requires regular maintenance. By volunteering your time with this small group you will be helping to ensure that Washington’s grounds are maintained to the highest standards for our visitors. We use resources creatively to maximum effect which is why we need enthusiastic and hardworking people to help with these projects.

How much time will it take?

The group will be ran on a Wednesday, starting at 10am and finishing at 4pm through the summer and 3pm during winter. We will mutually agree the hours that you can contribute and it would be helpful if you could try to give us as much notice as possible on the occasions when you are not able to contribute those hours.

What will you be doing?

• This role will be incredibly varied, and will involve a lot of repair and installation of infrastructure throughout the Washington Centres grounds and reserve areas, including fencing, gateways, sluice gates and pond platforms
• Seasonal habitat management tasks such as raking off cut grasslands or the gathering of pre-felled wood
• Use of a wide variety of hand tools and light power tools to carry out tasks and repairs
• Assisting the Grounds and Reserve Warden with any of their ongoing tasks

Skills

• Someone to become part of a small team and who should be committed to good customer service and willing to engage our visitors with the work of WWT
• Any volunteer should be willing and able to undertake a wide range of physical activities outside in all weathers
• Previous experience with the use of hand tools would be an advantage, although not necessarily a necessity
• Proactive and able to work with a minimum of supervision, under the direction of the Grounds and Reserve Warden
• Must have excellent communication skills and a positive attitude