Wildlife Monitor Leader (Langley Vale Wood, Surrey)

As a Wildlife Monitor Leader, you will help us determine a baseline for species presence on our sites and enable us to establish whether our work in woodland management and the maintenance of other habitats across our estate is benefiting wildlife in the area. You will be visiting the site regularly, identifying, recording and monitoring species and ensuring the results are recorded in accordance with set guidelines.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Wildlife Monitor Leader to lead our Langley Vale monitoring groups. You will be working with your Volunteer Manager to create a programme of tasks linked to our site management plan. You will lead and motivate the group and keep them informed of upcoming tasks on site, using Assemble our volunteer app and website which makes communicating and organising your group easy and straightforward.

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

The wildlife monitor leader will lead and coordinate a group of volunteers monitoring and collecting data within the Woodland Trust’s site Langley Vale, in line with the site management plan and as agreed with the volunteer manager. Our Wildlife Monitor Leaders run each session, ensuring that each task is carried out safely, in accordance with our Health & Safety guidance, and in line with our site management plan. A key volunteer role, the Wildlife Monitor Leader is responsible for setting task days and keeping group members informed of upcoming activities.

What you will be doing:

• In conjunction with the Woodland Trust Site Manager, meet every year before the survey season to agree survey areas, methodologies and intended task days.
• Coordinate the registered Woodland Trust wildlife monitors to collect data throughout the season following Woodland Trust guidelines, and using the methods and aims agreed with site staff.
• Use the volunteer app and website Assemble to organise and communicate with your volunteer group and volunteer manager.
• Use Assemble to keep a record of the hours spent by yourself and other volunteers in the wildlife monitoring team.
• Use Assemble to create regular working Rotas for your group.
• Send messages via Assemble to your volunteer manager at agreed intervals with an update.
• Act as first aider on task days.
• Carry out dynamic risk assessments and determine whether to cancel tasks in unsuitable conditions.
• Visit the agreed locations and record presence of specific species.
• Attend training events as required to develop your skills.
• Supply raw data collected annually directly to the Woodland Trust, in addition to any national databases, BTO BirdTrak, UKBMS, etc.
• Prepare an annual summary/report of monitoring undertaken during the year, and submit to the volunteer manager for comment, prior to submitting to site staff and volunteers, and Woodland Trust’s Conservation department.
• Report any issues relating to the site, activity or group to the Volunteer Manager.
• Operate within our Volunteer Charter, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Log all the hours you volunteer through Assemble, your volunteer website, either on the desktop version or the mobile app.
• Work within the risk assessment provided by your volunteer manager.

The skills you need:

• A genuine interest in wildlife conservation and woodlands with the ability to identify different species.
• Understanding and support of the Woodland Trust’s principles of woodland management.
• The ability to work within guidelines set by the site manager and volunteer manager.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to record and report back your findings.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, volunteers and Woodland Trust staff.
• The ability to use our volunteer app and website Assemble to organise and communicate with your volunteer group and Volunteer Manager.
• Experience coordinating, leading and motivating a group of people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• An understanding of the importance of safeguarding protocols and commitment to follow these.
• A first aid qualification is desirable but not essential as training will be given.
• A sensible regard for health and safety.

What’s in it for you:

• An opportunity to collect meaningful wildlife data that contributes to site monitoring and management.
• Opportunity to lead a friendly group of volunteers with shared aims and interests.
• Gain new skills, experience and relationships, and improve your mental and physical health, helping you to feel more connected with your community.
• Supporting the maintenance and development of a local woodland site for use by the local community with support from your Volunteer Manager and Volunteer Development Officer.
• A full induction to the Woodland Trust and access to a range of training.
• An excellent opportunity to support the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.

An interview and two references will be required for this role, and training will need to be completed before the role commences. Please ensure you have known referees for more than 6 months and they are not a partner, close relative, or Woodland Trust employee. Former or current work colleagues, friends, volunteers, and neighbours that have known you for more than 6 months are some examples that would be fine. Expenses will be reimbursed for return journeys from home based on public transport cost or mileage at standard rates for the Woodland Trust. As a volunteer you may have the opportunity to support the Trust at events in your area. We will contact you when these occasions arise to see if you are available and would like to help.