At a Glance
- Tasks: Help care for otters and engage the public about conservation.
- Company: WWT, dedicated to restoring vital wetland ecosystems.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, meet new friends, and enjoy volunteer discounts.
- Other info: Join a friendly community and volunteer 1-2 days a week.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while learning new skills.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a passion for nature and willingness to learn.
About The Role
At WWT, we believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. In this role, you will be helping to look after our Asian small-clawed otters and “Back from the Brink” exhibit species, including water voles and harvest mice. You will be engaging with the public to help them understand more about these species and the conservation threats facing them. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience of animal husbandry and uphold outstanding standards of care for our mammal collection species.
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.
About You
No previous experience is required for this role as full training will be provided, and a willingness to learn new skills is more important. This role would suit you if:
- You have (or would like to gain) experience in animal husbandry
- You feel confident in talking to and engaging with members of the public
- You are physically fit and practically minded
- You have an interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
- You enjoy working as part of a team of staff and volunteers
- You have a strong commitment to excellent customer service
- You are reliable and committed
- You are willing to get stuck into working outdoors and in all weathers
Additional notes
We are looking for volunteers who are available to help 1-2 days per week from 08:00-16:30. This role is not suitable for people under 18 years. To ensure a positive volunteering experience for you and to provide a helpful contribution to the organisation, we hope you will be able to volunteer with us for at least six months.
About Us
We are 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 you’re looking to meet new people, learn new skills or spend time in our wildlife-rich wetlands, there’s a volunteer role for you. Just a few hours spent volunteering can really make a world of difference to our wildlife, and to you. So, come surround yourself with the wonder of wetlands, and the people who inject their energy and passion into them. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. The only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you’ll love volunteering at WWT
- Make a real contribution to the conservation and engagement work of WWT
- Work at one of our beautiful and internationally important wetland sites
- Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded nature lovers who bring energy, passion, and expertise to their role
- Make new friends and become part of a friendly and inclusive community
- Gain volunteering experience and learn & develop new skills
- Get volunteer discounts for WWT shops, café, and membership
- Get free entry to all our UK wetland centres, including for your family
- Receive access to wildlife talks, webinars, and practical information to help you manage your volunteer role & daily life
- Be kept informed about what’s happening in our organisation and the positive change you are helping to make happen
Mammal Support Volunteer (Living Collections) employer: Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
At WWT, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a role that directly contributes to the restoration of vital wetland ecosystems. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, with generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave, free entry to all our wetland centres, and a contributory pension scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in hospitality and events management.
Contact Details:
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mammal Support Volunteer (Living Collections)
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
