Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist in Alconbury
Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist

Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist in Alconbury

Alconbury Volunteer 500 - 1500 £ / month (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a team to collect water quality data and help restore wetlands.
  • Company: WWT, dedicated to wetland conservation and community engagement.
  • Benefits: Gain skills, meet like-minded people, and enjoy free entry to wetland centres.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on nature while enjoying the outdoors.
  • Qualifications: Enthusiasm for nature, basic IT skills, and a willingness to learn.
  • Other info: Flexible roles available, including data entry options.

The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.

About The Role

At WWT, we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. We take people with us and form partnerships to build support for wetlands. Our volunteers play a crucial role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people. We are looking for a small team of volunteers to support our staff in helping with surveys and collecting water quality data in the area of the River Great Ouse for WWT’s ‘Great Ouse Blue Connections’ project. We are specifically looking for volunteers based in locations near the project site, including:

  • Around the River Great Ouse, Roxton to Earith.
  • Alconbury
  • Brampton
  • Brooks
  • Huntingdon
  • St Neots
  • St Ives, Cambridgeshire

The initial focus of the role will be water quality monitoring. We hope to continue and extend the project, and therefore there may be future opportunities to undertake further training and surveys in invertebrate sampling and other data collection or initiatives in the future. As part of the project’s volunteer team, you will be helping WWT develop a vision for wetland restoration locally, with the aim of securing significant benefits for the water environment, including water quality, flood mitigation and biodiversity.

The data you collect will be used by WWT to better understand the water quality of the river and tributaries in the area; help locate potential sites for natural flood management interventions; and to measure the success of any interventions put in place. Your data will also contribute to national water quality monitoring schemes. The locations for the project are only accessible by foot. Should travel or mobility be difficult for you, there may be options to support data entry only – just let us know.

This role involves:

  • Working in pairs as part of a team of staff and volunteers collecting data from rivers, streams and tributaries in the area of the Ouse (Roxton to Earith) and Alconbury and Bampton Brooks, Cambridgeshire.
  • Visiting pre-agreed sites to undertake fieldwork to undertake water quality monitoring. This fieldwork may include:
  • Getting your hands wet! We may ask you to enter shallow water depending on the survey you are undertaking.
  • Reading maps to locate survey locations.
  • Using various pieces of equipment to carry out the surveys (training provided).
  • Using apps to digitally enter data.
  • There are options to support data entry only – for this, or if undertaking both fieldwork as well as data submission, we ask for a basic level of IT for either app or form use.
  • Undertaking training, including an induction into WWT and its work, mandatory health & safety for the role, as well as learning both the monitoring methods required to carry out the surveys and how they are submitted. Training would be delivered at a location close to Huntingdon.
  • Joining other volunteers and WWT staff at meetings in person or online to discuss data collected, be involved in the interpretation process and find out how it is being used (optional).
  • Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don’t wish to apply online, please email or leave a message at 01453 891 231 with your name and number. Just to let you know, some of our roles are very popular. To help our teams and minimise disappointment for people kind enough to want to support us, we might take roles down before the closing date if we get a lot of applications. If you do miss a role, or are looking for something particular, you can sign up to opportunity alerts.

    About You

    This role will suit you if you:

    • Are enthusiastic, reliable, willing to learn new skills and over the age of 18 years.
    • Have 4 - 6 hours available each month.
    • Have an interest in nature and conservation.
    • Are supportive of our work and will enjoy working as part of the WWT team.
    • Are able and comfortable working under your own initiative and with other volunteers, under the direction of the Great Ouse Blue Connections staff.
    • Have a good level of general fitness for walking to survey locations.
    • Enjoy working outdoors in all conditions (we try to plan with the weather!).
    • Can follow Health & Safety guidelines and other procedures appropriate to the role.
    • Have a good eye for detail and can keep clear and accurate records, with basic IT skills.
    • Can easily and independently access the areas around the survey sites we agree in advance.

    About Us

    We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case. Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

    Why you’ll love volunteering at WWT:

    • Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world.
    • Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers.
    • Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
    • Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family.
    • Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships.
    • Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life.

    Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist in Alconbury employer: Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

    At WWT, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where volunteers are integral to our mission of wetland restoration. Located around the picturesque River Great Ouse, our volunteers enjoy unique opportunities for personal growth through hands-on training and community engagement, all while contributing to vital environmental conservation efforts. Join us to make a meaningful impact, connect with nature enthusiasts, and be part of a passionate team dedicated to preserving our precious wetlands.
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    Contact Detail:

    Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist in Alconbury

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Get to know the team at WWT! Before applying, check out their social media and website to understand their mission and values. This will help you connect with them during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers on platforms like LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips on what WWT looks for in volunteers and how to stand out in your application.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Be prepared for hands-on tasks! Since this role involves fieldwork, practice using maps and basic equipment. Showing that you're ready to get your hands dirty will impress the team and demonstrate your commitment.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so you won’t miss out on any exciting roles with WWT.

    We think you need these skills to ace Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist in Alconbury

    Data Collection
    Water Quality Monitoring
    Fieldwork Skills
    Map Reading
    Use of Survey Equipment
    Basic IT Skills
    Attention to Detail
    Health & Safety Compliance
    Teamwork
    Enthusiasm for Nature and Conservation
    Ability to Work Independently
    Good Communication Skills
    General Fitness for Outdoor Work

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for nature and conservation.

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to read the job description carefully and highlight any relevant experience or skills you have. Show us how you fit into the role of a Citizen Scientist and why you’re excited about this opportunity!

    Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. This helps us understand your points quickly and easily!

    Apply Online: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team of volunteers!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

    ✨Know Your Wetlands

    Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge about wetlands and their importance. Understand the specific challenges facing the River Great Ouse and how WWT is addressing them. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.

    ✨Show Your Enthusiasm

    Express your passion for nature and conservation during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or volunteer work you've done in the past. This will help the interviewers see that you’re not just looking for any role, but that you truly care about making a difference.

    ✨Prepare for Practical Questions

    Expect questions about how you would handle fieldwork tasks, such as collecting data or working in pairs. Think about scenarios where you’ve had to follow health and safety guidelines or work independently, and be ready to discuss these experiences.

    ✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

    At the end of the interview, have a few questions prepared about the role or the project. This could include asking about future training opportunities or how volunteers contribute to the overall goals of the Great Ouse Blue Connections project. It shows you’re engaged and thinking ahead!

    Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist in Alconbury
    Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
    Location: Alconbury

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