Surrey Hills Society

Position Overview: We are seeking motivated and dedicated individuals to join our team as voluntary part-time conservation project assistants. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on local conservation efforts while gaining valuable experience in assisting with volunteer initiatives. You will play a vital role in organising, leading, and inspiring volunteers to contribute to various conservation projects across the Surrey Hills. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with leading and supervising practical conservation sessions ranging from tree planting, hedge planting, tree popping, butterfly surveys, dormice surveys and scrub clearance.
• Ensure practical tasks are completed safely and efficiently. 
• Collaborate with local community groups, schools, corporates, and other stakeholders to expand volunteer participation and community outreach.
• Contribute to the Surrey Hills Conservation Volunteers Programme providing suggestions for improvement based on volunteer feedback and experiences.

We are looking for the following:

• Passion and enthusiasm for conservation and environmental protection, with a strong desire to engage and inspire others, particularly those that may face barriers to the countryside.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with volunteers, staff, and stakeholders of diverse backgrounds.
• Committed and reliable.
• Familiarity with local ecosystems, conservation practices, and environmental issues is an advantage but not essential.
• First aid is an advantage but not essential.
• You must have access to a car to travel to various locations across the area.

Position Details:

• Part-Time: Flexible to accommodate other commitments. Weekend and weekday working available.
• Expenses - Travel expenses will be paid for.
• Location: Various sites across the Surrey Hills including areas surrounding Guildford, Haslemere, Dorking and Reigate.
• Duration: Ongoing. However, our busiest time is during the autumn/winter.
• Application Deadline: No deadline but we would like to enrol people as soon as possible.
• How to Apply: Please fill in the application form and we will get in touch with further information on how to apply. This will likely be a short paragraph on why you are interested in the role. 

You can find out more about the Surrey Hills Society and our Surrey Hills Conservation Volunteers programme by clicking on the hyperlinks.

Surrey Hills Society is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Date posted: 12/09/2023

The Surrey Hills Society is an independent charity formed 15 years ago.  It promotes the positive enjoyment and care of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is in the course of being rebranded as one of the UK’s National Landscapes. We encourage those who live, work in, or visit the area to explore and learn about the special qualities and distinctiveness of the area.  The Society also uses its extensive network to actively promote the conservation and enjoyment of the Surrey Hills.

In June 2019 the Society was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service which is the highest award for volunteer groups to recognise outstanding work done in their communities and is the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary organisations.

Our mission is summarised by four words: Conserve, Inspire, Educate and Enjoy.

For further information visit our website.