The Volunteer Manager

Make sure your volume is on: "You need to be a people person"

Show transcript

Well, you need to not mind getting wet for a start! Working in a country park brings a different dynamic to the volunteer coordinator role.

So aside from the usual things that you'd need to develop the volunteer program - like recruiting and supporting volunteers and building networks, et cetera - you also need to be able to just get stuck in. So I go out with the rangers and the volunteers each week, rain or shine, and we work on whatever tasks the rangers set. And this gives me a chance to get to know our volunteers better and to experience the roles for myself and be part of the team.

So here at the park, we really work alongside our volunteers, whether that's in conservation, heritage research, or the walks - the volunteers are an extension of our team. So you need to be a people person, and also you need to be able to turn your hand to many different tasks.