Current Volunteering Opportunities at The Living Rainforest
Animal Department Volunteer
The Living Rainforest is home to various species of fish, primate, bird, reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate. The Animal Department consists of 3 full time members of staff and a number of volunteers, who often get a vast insight into how our zoological section is run and developed.
Animal department volunteer duties include various aspects of animal husbandry, food preparation, enclosure maintenance and development, and lots of physical work! It is not recommended for those who don't like getting dirty or have a dislike of creepy crawlies!!
Although experience is not essential for this role, a background in animal care or related subject is preferred. Full training and support will be given on all duties, and candidates must have a caring and responsible attitude, and be able to carry out practical duties. All applications will be considered and will be taken on their own merit.
Administrative Assistant (Volunteer Coordination)
Here at The Living Rainforest we have around 30 volunteers. Volunteers are invaluable to the administration and development of our charity, and we now need an Administrative Assistant to aid the Volunteer Coordinator in the general running and growth of this department. Although this is a predominantly office based role, the successful applicant will also have the opportunity of running group volunteering tasks.
The Administrative Assistant will aid in the following areas: processing applications, carrying out inductions, developing agreements, updating volunteer handbooks and files, running group volunteering projects, recruitment of new volunteers, and supporting in the coordination of volunteers from different departments.
Although experience is not essential for this role, some office experience is preferred. Full training and support will be given on all duties and candidates must have good people skills, be self motivated, and be able to work individually or as part of a team. All applications will be considered and will be taken on their own merit.
Horticultural Department Volunteer
The Living Rainforest is home to many different species of plants. Our Horticultural Department consists of two part-time members of staff and six volunteers, because this department has such a small team and a wide variety of species (630), volunteers are incredibly important in carrying out additional duties in this department.
Horticultural volunteer duties will include watering, construction and planting of new beds, maintenance of plants in the glasshouses and gardens, and lots of physical work! This is not recommended for those who don't like getting dirty.
Although experience is not essential for this role, a background in horticulture of any kind is preferable. Full training and support will be given on all duties and candidates must have a responsible attitude, and be able to carry out practical duties. All applications will be considered and will be taken on their own merit.
Maintenance Volunteer
The Living Rainforest has two large glasshouses with a variety of different enclosures. Both the glasshouses and the enclosures require ongoing maintenance and development, and there are always new exhibits to construct. Volunteering in this department is a very exciting and fulfilling role and can often provide applicants with the opportunity to get really involved with our physical development.
Maintenance volunteer duties will include maintenance and construction of exhibits, external maintenance, general DIY and it is likely to include lots of physical work!
Although experience is not essential for this role some experience in carpentry, building, or any other related trade would be welcomed. Full training and support will be given for all duties and candidates must have a responsible attitude, be able to carry out practical duties, and be able to work well as part of a team. All applications will be considered and will be taken on their own merit.
Communications
The importance of getting members of the public to have a better understanding of current environmental issues has never been greater. The Living Rainforest is looking for dedicated Volunteers to help with creating and presenting talks to our visitors, and to help research information for our displays/exhibits.
Although experience is not essential for this role a background in zoology, science, geography or a related subject is preferred. Full training and support will be given on all duties, and candidates must be self motivated, have good communication skills and be able to work individually or as part of a team. All applications will be considered and will be taken on their own merit.
Marketing Assistant Volunteer
The Living Rainforest currently attracts around 70,000 visitors each year. Our marketing officer is responsible for all promotional activity including brand development, news releases, brochure design and distribution, exhibition attendance and events.
A volunteer is being sought to assist general marketing administration, with the opportunity to become involved with event organisation. Full training will be provided but candidates should have a professional and friendly manner, be organised, possess good communication skills and have IT experience. A good level of numeracy would also be an advantage.
All applications will be considered and will be taken on their own merit.
Interpretation Assistant Volunteer
The Living Rainforest provides an opportunity for people to learn about rainforests but also about the associated issues of conservation and sustainable living.
An interpretation volunteer is required to assist with development of The Living Rainforest's new guidebook, signage, display materials and web information. Candidates will need good written communication skills, an interest in environmental conservation and sustainable lifestyles, and the ability to carry out in-depth topic research. Full training will be provided.
All applications will be considered and will be taken on their own merit.
Fund Raising Volunteer
Karl Hansen, the director of The Living Rainforest, is responsible for all current fund raising applications. A volunteer is being sought to assist general fund raising administration, with the opportunity to become involved with the writing of fund raising applications. Full training will be provided but candidates should have a professional and friendly manner, be organised, possess good communication skills and have IT experience. A good level of numeracy and literacy would also be an advantage.
All applications will be considered and will be taken on their own merit.
