Voluntary Work Placement
We are looking for individuals with an interest in pursuing a career in countryside management or the environmental sector. Successful applicants will be given training and development opportunities by work shadowing current countryside management staff.
Placements run for 6 months where the volunteer shadows a member of staff 1-3 days a week, aiding a variety of survey work, running practical sessions and assisting with school groups. Shadow Rangers develop on the job skills and experience, including: practical site management (e.g. habitat creation and restoration); working with communities (project development and implementation); planning and undertaking countryside events, guided walks, cycle rides; and environmental education. Participants may also have access to some formal training courses.
The scheme has proved very successful with 70% of participants going into relevant employment or on to further study since 2005. Partners currently hosting Shadow Ranger placements are the Forestry Commission, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Greenwood Community Forest. Placements are allocated on an application basis and we aim to recruit once every 6-12 months.
Community/Countryside Ranger - These placements allow indiviuals to gain a range of experiences in practical conservation, working with volunteers, community engagement, running small and large-scale events and some environmental education.
Education Ranger - Gain hands-on experience in running environmental education programmes for all ages and abilities, including some adult education. There may also be chance to get involved in bushcraft programmes also.
The next round of recruitment is likely to be in the Spring 2012. Keep your eyes peeled for the next closing date....
"I've found the Shadow Ranger scheme as informative as it is rewarding. It takes volunteering to the next level, with a great balance of in-house training days, coupled with ‘hands-on’ manual labour tasks. It’s a great chance to really get to see how different Rangers operate, their daily responsibilities, and their overall involvement in the running of diverse environmental projects, giving me an insight into what skills and knowledge is required for a career within the industry" - Jeff Gilliam, Shadow Ranger
