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Countryside Jobs Service |
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CJS Weekly: Special Edition Supplements. 20/2/06 - Seasonal and Volunteering work. |
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Countryside Jobs Service Weekly Special Edition 20 February 2006 |
| Endorsed by both the
Scottish Countryside Rangers
Association & the Countryside Management Association |
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Seasonal and Volunteer Work Supplement
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From Volunteer to Staff.
Tom Bridge has always lived in the countryside and knew he wanted a countryside related job but his schools didn't offer any countryside or environmental subjects. So with A levels under his belt he went on to further education gaining a qualification in financial economics – about as far from rural skills as you can get. After graduating he wasn't really sure what direction to take and what career path to follow. "My Mum saw an advert for volunteer wardens in the back of an RSPB magazine and suggested that I give it a go", said Tom. "I did two weeks in January 1999 at Titchwell Marsh Reserve in Norfolk and didn't go back home for ten months, I'd found what I wanted to do." Whilst volunteering Tom made ends meet initially on the dole – yes, you can claim JSA whilst working as a full time volunteer if you are still actively seeking paid employment, what the Job Centre considers to be a proper job! – and then working in a pub; he was also fortunate in having parents able to help with certain costs as well. During his time as a volunteer the RSPB helped Tom to complete an NVQ in Landscape and Ecosystems and since then has sent him for practical skills training.
In November 1999 Tom started paid work with a three month winter contract and was never out of work for several years. He is now a warden on the RSPB Dearne Valley Reserve, one of the RSPB's flagship sites. Tom says, "I manage habitats on the reserve for the target species. I also make sure the reserve infrastructure is safe and user-friendly for the public. I have been on courses to drive tractors, use chain saws, do tree surgery and quad biking, plus courses on personal development and management skills. Today I have spoken to the grazier, agricultural dealers, members of the public, volunteers and the media – and its only lunchtime.
There is no 9 - 5 and you have to be prepared to work weekends, Bank Holidays or even Christmas Day. It is more of a vocation than a job. I live on site, which is fantastic; I have a 250 acre back garden.
One of the most rewarding times is the survey season, when we get up at first light to count the breeding birds. That is when you see the results of your hard work. Looking back I realise I took the most appropriate route, you can't get a job in conservation without spending time as a volunteer."
For others wanting to follow in his footsteps Tom has two pieces of advice. First; volunteer as much as possible, go out of your way to find conservation groups (every uni has one somewhere!) and join in. And second; be sure it's what you want to do, volunteering is a good way to dip your toe in the water without taking the plunge. Conservation work is rarely glamorous, it's hard, dirty, physical work interspersed with boring office admin; although the financial rewards are not high seeing the results of your labours more than compensates. Tom finishes, "I am certainly grateful that my Mum suggested volunteering for those few weeks in Norfolk. It was probably the best thing I ever did."
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RSPB VOLUNTEER WARDENS REQUIRED
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Long-term placements available on various reserves around the UK. These opportunities will offer practical experience in various aspects of reserve management, with training provided as appropriate (eg chainsaw use, ATV, tractor driving, brushcutter). Applicants should be willing to commit themselves for 4 - 6 months and are ideally for those planning a career in conservation, either during or following an academic qualification. Many previous such volunteers have moved on to paid employment within the conservation sector. Minimum age 18. (Age 21 with full driving licence preferable). Various start dates. Accommodation provided free on or near reserve. Bird knowledge desirable but not essential.
Please see our web-site www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering/residential for brochure and application form. |
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Blue Ventures is a UK-based marine conservation organisation that runs expeditions to Andavadoaka in south-west Madagascar. We offer volunteers an invaluable opportunity to enjoy a diving expedition whilst partaking in a highly regarded environmental conservation project based at one of the most remote and beautiful locations in the world. For more information about these expeditions visit our website www.blueventures.org or email us at enquiries@blueventures.org.
The National Trust looks after special places for ever, for everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Trust is committed to creating opportunities for life-changing experiences, ensuring our historic houses, gardens, coastline and countryside become spaces where visitors can experience inspiration, relaxation, and enrichment. As Europe’s biggest conservation organization, over 3 million members, 40,000 volunteers and millions of visitors and tenants enjoy and benefit from the work we do. For more information and current job opportunities at our website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Are you a Member of the Country Parks Network?
The Country Parks Network is free of charge to country park professionals, providing them with the very best resources whilst providing a medium by which good practice is captured, promoted and disseminated.
The CPN website, www.countryparks.org.uk offers a variety of information, with a “members area” to be launched shortly which offers members the ability to upload and share documents, photos, contact other members, on-line forum and participate in member surveys. The Civic Trust, who manage the CPN on behalf of the Countryside Agency will be using these resources to help members improve and strengthen their country parks, with the additional benefit of bringing more of these sites into the Green Flag Award Scheme, also managed by the Trust.
If you would like to join the CPN, please visit the website or send an email to cpn@civictrust.org.uk
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, with 300,000 members and supporters. Its aims are: * no further loss of ancient woodland; * restoring and improving the biodiversity of woods; * increasing new native woodland; * increasing people’s understanding and enjoyment of woodland. For information visit www.woodland-trust.org.uk
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The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a leading conservation charity in Scotland and relies on the commitment and energy of hundreds of volunteers each year to get the job done. The Trust manages more than 120 wildlife reserves in Scotland and campaigns for wildlife through lobbying parliament and working with local and national organisations. |
Although around half of all SWT volunteers work on wildlife reserves and there are many other vital jobs carried out by volunteers that don’t involve a spade or work gloves. So, you could find yourself digging out drainage ditches to prevent water-logging or sorting and scanning photographs for the Trust’s image database. Perhaps you would prefer to tackle invasive species with a bow-saw or organise the publicity for a reserve open day.
Many volunteers come to the Trust to gain experience for a job in conservation. The key is to start volunteering as soon as possible, perhaps while you are still studying. This way, you can accrue considerable experience by the time you are ready to apply for that paid job. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you are committed to the cause. Even if the volunteering you do doesn’t exactly match the paid work you want – it all looks good on your CV!
For example, Amy took on the voluntary job of looking after a small wildlife reserve in Edinburgh while she was studying for an HND in Countryside Management at a local agricultural college. There was plenty of tidying up, planting of wildflowers, pruning of hedges and path maintenance to keep her busy. Shortly after completing her course, Amy got herself a paid Countryside Ranger job within the Cairngorm National Park. The work Amy had done on the reserve definitely helped place her above the other job applicants.
You will not have to commit huge amounts of time. In most cases volunteers give a day each month or perhaps half a day each week, depending on the duties involved and there will always be a member of staff or an experienced volunteer available to provide support and direction.
The Trust also offers training and work experience for people who have been unemployed for six months or more. Under the New Deal scheme Lantra certificates are offered for chainsaw use, brushcutting, treeplanting, footpath construction, and post and wire fencing, amongst others.
All of the Trust’s current volunteering opportunities are advertised on SWT’s website at www.swt.org.uk. Email enquiries@swt.org.uk or call 0131 3127765. For more information about New Deal please email pgilbert@swt.org.uk.
Scotland:
Scottish Squirrel Survey
Standard Red and Grey Squirrel Surveys. Volunteers needed to help monitor Scotland’s squirrel populations by helping to set up and take part in standard surveys at selected forests and red-grey interface sites. Surveys are needed in most parts of Scotland. The surveys are aimed at various levels of experience; training will be provided. Contact: Mel Tonkin at the Scottish Squirrel Survey, Email: mtonkin@swt.orgt.uk; or phone 0131 312 4733 to find out about your local surveys.
The National Park Volunteer Programme offers a variety of Volunteer Roles such as Conservation, Events, User and Wildlife Surveys or Photography. Come and join the team of Volunteers! To find out more contact Zoe Morris, Volunteer Development Officer, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, 01389 722600 or email zoe.morris@lochlomond-trossachs.org.
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Wildlife Recorders
The Wildlife Counts Project in Falkirk, Stirling and North Lanarkshire is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to attend FREE workshops, which will offer volunteers the skills to become local wildlife recorders. |
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Events will include indoor and outdoor workshops (spring 2006 to autumn 2007); volunteers will learn how to identify plants and animals, how biological recording is done and why. No previous experience required. For more information, contact Claire McSorley on brisc-wcp@btcv.org.uk or 01786 474 061. |
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Scott Wilson Scotland Ltd SEASONAL FIELD ASSISTANTS
Scott Wilson Scotland Ltd requires 6 seasonal field assistants to carry out ecological monitoring on farmland at various locations around Scotland in spring/summer 2005. The contract will run from early-April until early-July, with definite dates still to be confirmed. A competitive salary and expenses is available to successful applicants. |
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Surveyors must be competent at identifying a range of birds and vegetation (including grasses and sedges) and be comfortable working outdoors, away from an office, for extended periods of time. Knowledge of agricultural practices in Scotland would also be desirable, as would self-motivation and adaptability. Successful applicants must hold a UK driving licence. If you are interested and feel you have the necessary skills then please apply preferably by e-mail, enclosing a CV and covering letter, highlighting your experience and suitability for the post, to Reuben Singleton at reuben.singleton@scottwilson.com or 23 Chester Street, Edinburgh EH3 7ET. Applications should be sent before 3rd March 2005 and interviews will be held during week commencing 13th March 2005. Information about Scott Wilson is available on the Company website www.scottwilson.com . |
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Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus Torchlight Surveying (March to May inclusive) |
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Torchlight survey for Great Crested Newt is typically carried out in the Spring when breeding adult Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus are abundant in breeding ponds/waterbodies. Peak numbers are recorded in ponds in the height of the breeding season (April to late May - there is some geographical variance). During this season the Great Crested Newt is engaged in elaborate courtship displays and are easily counted in the open, shallow areas of the pond. Distinguishing characteristics such as the jagged dorsal crest and silvered tail stripe of the male Great Crested Newt are key identifiable traits, alongside notable courtship displays with females.
At night Great Crested Newts tend to move up from the pond depths into shallower, open areas where they can perform their mating rituals. Surveys are conducted 30 to 90 minutes after dusk on dry, mild, calm nights and involve a thorough survey of the accessible shoreline. The waterbody is worked progressively around whilst scanning with the light beam of a high candlepower torch enabling a broad band from the waters edge to be surveyed. The entire margin of the pond is walked once and a count of Great Crested Newt and other Amphibians made. It is normal practice to record all Amphibians, and in addition, for all Newts, their species and sex.
Torchlight surveying in the Spring is a suitable technique for measuring relative abundance of Great Crested Newt and other Amphibians within waterbodies, and alongside other appropriate survey techniques, assessing presence/absence of the species.
Staff require good identification skills to be able to identify Amphibian species by torchlight, and more often than not, when they are on the move. In addition, a good appreciation and awareness of health and safety issues when working next to waterbodies. Life jackets, wellingtons, site maps and head-torches are invaluable equipment. The work is carried out at night and can often be cold so a hat and a pair of gloves is a good idea too. Fortunately there are not too many midges during the peak torching season, but a welly full of water is not uncommon!
Heritage Environmental Ltd., 50 High Street • Auchterarder • Perthshire • PH3 1DB
Tel:.01764 660067 E-mail: post@heritage-environmental.co.uk Web www.heritage-environmental.co.uk
[Picture by: Tim Bernhard. Supplied by The Herpetological Conservation Trust herpconstrust.org.uk]
Great Crested Newt Conservation Handbook
This book covers important aspects of great crested newt ecology, habitat requirements and survey techniques, amongst many other topics.
If you would like a free copy of this guide please contact Dorothy Wright, Great Crested Newt Conservation Officer, The Herpetological Conservation Trust, 655A Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 4AP Tel: 01202 391319 dorothy.wright@herpconstrust.org.uk
An A4 S.A.E with 83p or £1.07 to cover 2nd/1st class postage costs would be appreciated
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The Scottish Countryside Rangers Association is the professional organisation for Rangers and other countryside staff in Scotland with links throughout the UK and internationally. SCRA was founded in 1974, and aims to promote and encourage high standards of professionalism amongst Countryside Rangers, through the development of communication and exchange of ideas amongst its members and with other organisations. |
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SCRA's views and opinions are sought from many quarters and we are active within Scottish LINK, a partnership environmental lobby group. The Association organises a series of training events, social gatherings and an Annual Training Conference which brings together Rangers from across Scotland. In addition, we are hosting the International Ranger Federation’s Congress in Stirling June this year. This will see over 250 rangers from throughout the world meeting to progress skills, methodologies and discuss issues related to community engagement and protected area management. Upcoming training courses from SCRA include Dogs and the Law, Emergency First Aid, Management Planning, Water Safety & Management, Water Voles, Grassland Management, Interpreting Fungi with Children, Interactive design and construction, Lichens, Hazardous tree management and Animal First Aid. For more information on SCRA or any of our activities visit our website at www.scotranger.freeserve.co.uk |
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The cost of volunteering. Volunteering can be a costly business. Living away from home, possibly renting accommodation, travelling to your placement, the list goes on and as the name implies you will be working as a volunteer and not for money. What you get in return is that vital experience, training in relevant skills, lots of contacts for the future and the opportunities to prove your employability. Many organisations will pay expenses &/or travel. If you are eligible you can claim Job Seekers Allowance (dole as was) and being a full or part-time volunteer should not affect your eligibility or the amount of JSA you receive as long as you follow a few basic rules for good practice.
The fundamental criteria are: 1. that you are available and actively seeking work and 2. that you receive no more than out-of-pocket expenses. External training courses (ie with someone other than your placement organisation and the course paid for by the organisation) can be sticking points; however, if you can prove that this training is essential for you to have these skills to do the allotted tasks safely then it is usually accepted and doesn't affect JSA – but not always!
The Employment Service / Benefits Agency produces two leaflets which help to explain the situation: WK4, Financial help if you are working or doing voluntary work and JSAL7, Jobseeker's Allowance. Voluntary work when you're unemployed and it needn't affect your benefits! You may also find their website, www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk useful.
England – Anglia:
The Graduate Resource Team offers contract Project work of between 2 & 12 months for recent graduates (<3 years') committed to working within the environment / sustainable development sector. Opportunities involve: work with local authorities, businesses & community & vol orgs. Register online www.studentforce.org.uk & send a copy of CV
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The National Trust's Careership Training Programme |
The National Trust is Europe's largest environmental conservation charity, protecting some of the Nation’s most precious countryside, coastline, landscaped parks and gardens, and historic properties across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Trust's award-winning Careership Training Programme develops our future Gardeners and Countryside Wardens to help keep these special places special, for everyone to enjoy. It has been tremendously successful and, each year starting in mid-March, we recruit around 21 new Trainees into inspiring, specially selected NT gardens, countryside or coast to begin the three-year programme. Trainees learn their gardening or countryside skills both from our own members of staff and from attending Reaseheath College in Cheshire, for several block weeks per year. The scheme is really our version of an apprenticeship, and we help all of our Trainees to find permanent work with us at the end of their training. A number of our past apprentices have gone on to much bigger things within the Trust.
Dan Billington is now a Warden at Buscot and Coleshill Estates in Oxfordshire and wanted to be a Warden ever since he was a teenager and did his training at Trelissick in Cornwall. Dan says "In the three years I trained, I learnt absolutely loads; from how to lead a guided walk to the best way to carry out habitat surveys. I've learnt about livestock, built fences, hung gates, felled and planted trees, supervised volunteers and delivered talks to groups. Driving tractors, using chainsaws, brushcutters, welders and all manner of hand tools became easy, and I soon picked up the construction skills to put it all together. I learnt a lot ‘on the job’ thanks to the Area Warden. He gave me loads of support and guidance: I soon felt really confident doing my practical work. At college we learnt about all the other habitats you might come across working as a Warden, from heathland and wetlands to sand dunes. I also met the trainees who I would get to know over the next three years at College. We were all different age groups, and being based at different properties meant we all came with different experiences." You can read more about Dan's experiences on www.naturenet.net
Vicky Cody is now a Senior Gardener at Hidcote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire, having switched from a job in London, merchandising for a high street jeweller. Vicky says "My placement was at Antony in Cornwall. Instead of getting frustrated with commuting, I found myself caring for 100 acres of formal and woodland gardens. Every day meant planting borders, pruning roses, composting and chopping wood. And in my breaks, I could eat my sandwiches in a grove of Magnolia, Rhododendron and Camellias! It was all a real breath of fresh air… but I'm not saying it was easy. There was a surprising amount of mechanical skills I had to pick up at college and on the job. From taking rotavators apart to understand how they worked, to routine maintenance for ride-on lawn mowers, I discovered a whole range of technical know-how I would never have imagined mastering. It wasn't all learning techniques and practical skills though. My favourite lesson was plant anatomy. We memorised 'plant idents' - the Latin names for hundreds of plants. You could soon see the plant families growing from their Latin roots. It was really fascinating, like learning a new language." The National Gardens Scheme is also proactive in supporting our scheme with a generous donation each year - www.ngs.org.uk
If you would like to find out more about Careership and the National Trust, please go to www.skilledfutures.org.uk where there is a wealth of information.
BTCV Volunteer apprentice scheme, provides the environmental sector with trained and experienced staff and volunteers. Inspiring People, Improving Places. BTCV connects people with place, builds healthy, sustainable communities, and increases people's life skills. It aims to create a better environment where people from all cultures feel valued, included and involved. www.btcv.org
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Companies of all sizes in the Conservation, Countryside & Environment sector are discovering that Apprenticeships are the best solution for improving their businesses. |
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They’re finding that they act as an effective recruitment tool that enables them to attract and retain the best staff, creating a loyal and motivated workforce. In England today, 255,500 young people are currently undertaking an Apprenticeship in 130,000 businesses in over 80 different sectors of industry.
Research reveals that one-fifth of job vacancies - 135,000 – remain unfilled because of a lack of skilled applicants. Moreover, half of employers reporting recruitment difficulties said they were losing business to competitors as a result of the lack of skilled workers. Apprenticeships are central to the Learning and Skill Council’s drive for skills development and for this reason they are committed to spending around £800 million per year on funding them.
Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector is an independent, employer-led charity which represents 17 industries and over 1700 job roles including agricultural crops and livestock, farriery, environmental conservation and game and wildlife management. Developing qualifications that meet employer’s needs is an important part of Lantra’s work, and through its industry groups, identifies the need for Apprenticeships and develops appropriate work-related frameworks that meet the need of industry.
Most Apprentices receive a wage from day one and research shows that on average Apprentices receive around £137 per week after deductions. Employers receive a financial contribution from the LSC to offset the cost of the Apprenticeship training. Most small businesses use an external college or training provider to provide the ‘off site’ learning element of the Apprenticeship. Local LSC offices can advise on the most suitable Apprenticeship for a company’s needs, and direct employers to suitable training providers in the area.
To find out more about Apprenticeships visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk, or call a specialist advisor on 08000 150 400.
To find out more about Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector, visit www.lantra.co.uk
England – Midlands:
England – North East:
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Since 1977 the Nell Bank Centre in Ilkley, West Yorkshire has had an award winning, lively, interactive approach to education. Our programmes are designed to raise achievement across the age and ability range. The centre is sheltered by beautiful woodland alongside the river Wharfe opposite the world famous Ilkley Moor. |
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Address: Nell Bank Centre, Denton Road, Ilkley LS29 0DE Email: ruth.welch@bradford.gov.uk Telephone: 01943 602032 |
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Careers in the Countryside The CLA will be launching a new initiative at this year’s Devon County Show
(Saturday 20th May) which will offer a link between young people, teachers, careers advisors and others in education and the jobs which are available and how they contribute to the management and enhancement of the countryside.
England – South:
Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Volunteers can get involved with projects on our reserves and in the county. Including BOTANICAL surveying between March and September and weekly practical RANGER/WORKPARTY events throughout the year. Ideal for those wanting to gain experience and support wildlife. Contact: 01727 858 901 or charles.nathan@hmwt.org.
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Volunteer Programme
There are many volunteer roles available all year round. Key roles are practical conservation tasks, biological surveying, or natural history information officer’s. To join one of our teams visit the web site www.leevalleypark.org.uk or call the volunteer manager on 01992 709845.
Oxford City Council Countryside Service has a new mid week group meeting every second Thursday to carry out practical conservation on a number of sites including both Wildlife and Geological SSSI's. Contact Carl Whitehead, volunteer coordinator on 01865 715830 or 07801625245 email cwhitehead@oxford.gov.uk.
Join a volunteer conservation group
working on an exciting new project upgrading countryside paths to enable
access for people with disabilities and visual impairments. The group meets
every Friday, 10am-5pm, BTCV, 62 Parker Rd, Hastings. Bring: packed lunch,
warm/waterproof clothes, strong boots/shoes.
Call Anna on 01424 446395.
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Special trees and woods in the Chilterns
Those living and visiting the Chilterns now have the opportunity to explore, understand and record their special trees and woods, thanks to a grant awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to the Chiltern Woodlands Project. |
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Special trees and woods are found throughout the Chilterns and the project hopes to find and record them so they can be celebrated and managed sensitively and sustainably. Liz Manley has been appointed to manage the Special Trees and Woods Project and will be coordinating a team of volunteers to research the history of special trees and woods in records, photos, paintings, maps, books and direct from local people themselves. Liz said “I am pleased to be part of this is an exciting new project. It is also great to be back in the Chilterns where I started my career. For those still trying to get their first job in conservation it is a brilliant project to be involved in - training is available in many disciplines, which is ideal for those wishing to broaden their skills base.” This three and a half year project aims to involve up to 50 registered volunteers and offers some diverse tasks for volunteers. Under the supervision of experts, volunteers will collect data, oral histories and photographs relating to special trees and woods which will be identified by the public. So, if you have an interest in local history or the environment, want to learn more and try volunteering then don’t hesitate to get in touch with Liz on 01844 355 525 or lmanley@chilternsaonb.org |
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Bramley Frith Environmental Education Centre Volunteer Required for Summer Term
The Centre requires a volunteer from Tuesday 18th April until Friday 7th July 2006 (these being the ideal dates but there would be a possibility of some flexibility). This is our busy summer period doe school visits and the volunteer would assist the Head of Centre with these visits, by preparing worksheets and equipment and then assisting with the school group. This would be ideal work experience for someone considering a career in environmental education or teaching. Please send a CV to the centre and if suitable, an informal interview will be arranged.
Bramley, Tadley, Hants RG26 5BJ T: 01256 8802094 E: info@bramleyfrith.co.uk
