Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist
Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist

Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist

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 support wetland conservation efforts.
  • Company: WWT, dedicated to restoring wetlands and engaging communities.
  • Benefits: Feel good about making a difference, free entry to wetland centres, and discounts.
  • Why this job: Be part of an inspiring mission to protect nature and improve biodiversity.
  • Qualifications: Enthusiastic, reliable, and interested in nature; basic IT skills required.
  • Other info: Flexible roles available, including data entry options for those unable to do fieldwork.

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 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 team dedicated to preserving our precious ecosystems.
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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

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Get to know the team at WWT! Before you apply, 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

    Practice your fieldwork skills! If you can, get some hands-on experience with water quality monitoring or similar activities. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you real examples to discuss during your conversations with WWT.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Network with current volunteers or staff members. Reach out on platforms like LinkedIn or local conservation groups. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website!

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Be ready to showcase your enthusiasm! During any discussions or interviews, let your passion for nature and conservation shine through. WWT loves people who are eager to make a difference, so don’t hold back on sharing why you want to be part of their team.

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

    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.

    Show Your Enthusiasm: Make sure to express your excitement about the role and our mission at WWT. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in making a difference in wetland restoration!

    Highlight Relevant Skills: Take a moment to showcase any skills or experiences that relate to the role, like teamwork, data collection, or outdoor activities. This helps us see how you can contribute to our volunteer team.

    Apply Online: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently!

    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 work independently or as part of a team, and be ready to discuss how you approached those situations.

    ✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

    At the end of the interview, have a few questions prepared about the role or the project. This could be about the training process, future opportunities, or how volunteers contribute to the overall mission of WWT. It shows you’re engaged and thinking ahead.

    Great Ouse Blue Connections Volunteer Citizen Scientist
    Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

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