Volunteer Co-ordinator (Maternity Cover)

We are Tyne Rivers Trust, the only environmental charity dedicated to looking after the iconic Tyne and its tributaries. 

We are looking to recruit an energetic individual to oversee the management and development of the Trust’s comprehensive and varied programme of volunteer activities that runs throughout the year across the Tyne catchment in both isolated rural areas and urban sites in Newcastle.

The Tyne and its tributaries flow through the picturesque semi-rural counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland. A mixture of beautiful wide-open spaces, species-rich ravines and fascinating industrial heritage.

We work to improve our rivers through education, reducing pollution and practical conservation. Our 300 plus volunteers are an essential part of our team helping to make a difference to both people, wildlife and water quality. Delivering over 3,700 hours in 2023, our varied volunteer programme runs all year round. Typical tasks include:

• Restoring riverbanks using traditional skills like willow weaving
• Hedge laying to slow the flow of water
• Tree planting to tackle climate change
• River clean-ups to reduce plastic in rivers
• Water quality monitoring
• Tackling invasive plant species that threaten our native plants

Our most important asset is our people and we want to recruit the best. You will be joining a friendly and committed team of experts who are passionate about improving the Tyne rivers.

The Role

We are looking to recruit an energetic individual to oversee the management and development of the Trust’s comprehensive and varied programme of volunteer activities that runs throughout the year across the Tyne catchment in both isolated rural areas and urban sites in Newcastle.

Essential requirements:

• Demonstrable experience in supervising volunteers.
• Experience of planning and running practical outdoor volunteer conservation activities
• Experience of writing risk assessments, and assessing / addressing health and safety risks
• Experience of liaising with landowners, other land managers and contractors regarding planning and delivery of volunteer tasks
• Excellent verbal and good written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience of working within a team environment
• Good organisational / admin skills and attention to detail
• Good IT skills including experience of Microsoft Office
• Ability to manage own workload and prioritise tasks. Good time management skills and ability to work autonomously
• Flexible in terms of working times (role will include some weekend working)
• A current driving licence and access to own transport

More information on our volunteer work is available at www.tyneriverstrust.org/support-us/volunteering on our website. Please contact TRT’s Operations Manager, Julie Lawrence on 0784 224 6254 or j.lawrence@tyneriverstrust.org for an informal discussion about the role.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and covering letter demonstrating how you can fulfil the requirements and meet the person specifications to Julie Lawrence as above. The full person specification is an ideal list of attributes we are looking for. We recognise that not everyone has all of them, but please do not let that stop you applying for the role if you feel you meet some of the criteria.

Tyne Rivers Trust works across a large catchment, diverse in its inhabitants and their needs. We are committed to being an inclusive organisation. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome your background, experiences and thoughts as an individual to deliver the best work we can as a team.

Should you need support with your application please contact us.

Deadline for applications is midnighton Sunday 11th Februarywith interviews scheduled for Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th February, 2024. Interviews will be in person at Tyne Rivers Trust offices, (or via video conference if required).