Volunteer Coordinator Rathlin Island (LIFE Raft project)

Do you want to be part of one of the most exciting island restoration projects on our shores? If yes, we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. We are looking for an organised person with excellent communication skills to join our team and to help support our sites and operations.

The role will be supporting the LIFE Raft project on beautiful Rathlin Island, just off the coast of County Antrim. The project is working to save NI’s most important seabird colony from invasive non-native rats and ferrets - Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and other seabirds are all in danger. Over the past year the project has eradicated nearly all of the ferrets from the island. Now, moving into the second year, we will be focusing on the rats and bringing in volunteers to help.

What will you be doing?

The majority of volunteer support will focus on essential field-based activities such as monitoring, responding to incursions, and preparing bait stations and wax blocks. Additional tasks may include clearing harbourage areas on the island, reviewing camera trap imagery, transporting supplies from the mainland, and assisting with website updates, among other responsibilities.

As Volunteer Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in mobilising and supporting our volunteer team, making a meaningful contribution to the overall success of the project. Volunteer Coordinators undertake a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Dealing with queries from potential new volunteers who get in touch.
• Being the first point of contact for our existing volunteers and answering general queries.
• Lead on advertising new volunteer roles (on the RSPB and external websites, in the local community)
• Set up interviews with potential volunteers and assist with induction administration.
• Administrative tasks such as recording volunteer hours, registering new volunteers on our database, organising rotas and processing expenses claims.
• Supporting the project manager with volunteer administration and recruitment as necessary.

What's in it for you?

You'll be trained in everything you need to know beforehand and we'll support you in your role every step of the way.

This is a rewarding and enjoyable role. You will be part of a small and friendly international team of staff and volunteers, ranging from rope access climbers, to eradication specialists, to trappers. This is a chance to gain experience in working with people of all ages and to learn new skills and develop existing ones.

There is room for development within the role, an opportunity to volunteer for additional days or role-share.

You'd be helping us to ensure that volunteers have a rewarding and enjoyable time with us. It's a wonderful opportunity to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation.

What experience/ skills do you need?

This role requires a broad range of practical and organisational skills. As Volunteer Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in mobilising and supporting our volunteer team, making a meaningful contribution to the overall success of the project. Volunteer Coordinators undertake a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• You need to be a great people person, friendly and approachable.
• Excellent telephone manner and written communication skills.
• An ability to lead/inspire others and work as part of a team.
• Creative and forward thinking.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a small team.
• Excellent record keeper.
• Happy to work on Rathlin
• Tact/diplomacy.