Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

As Volunteering Leader you will report directly to the Area Operations Manager, and work closely with not only volunteers, but operational team colleagues across the wider West Midlands team as you plan, assist, deliver and manage successful volunteer activities and events in 2022 and beyond. 

 Key accountabilities:

• Develop new and innovative volunteering opportunties in your area.
• Management of volunteers in the delivery of works to ensure they are completed safely and to the correct quality, whilst maintaining volunteer satisfaction.
• Liason with volunteers and volunteer groups to understand their current capabilities and aspirations, using this to plan appropriate works in conjunction with the programmes of work with the customer operations team.
• To understand the needs of the waterways, both operationally and strategically, giving a broad understanding of the types and volumes of work available, thus providng the background information needed to develop a programme of volunteer works.
• Co-ordination of staff, vehicles and equipment for the efficient delivery of volunteer works.
• Co-ordination of training for volunteers to maintain and improve skills levels necessary to carry out works on the waterway.
• Promotion of a strong safety culture to ensure all works are completed with safety as a priority thereby ensuring the wellbeing of staff, volunteers and customers.

Safeguarding: 

• Displaying the Trust values and behaviours at all times.
• Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

 You really must love physical outdoor work all year around, and have a genuine appreciation for respecting the needs of nature, environment and our millions of waterway visitors.  Our waterways are not just for short visits by day users or holidaymakers, thousands of community members live on our boats all year and you will be playing a role in caring for their home, their space.

It is also essential that you are comfortable dealing with the public, and can respond to the unexpected with thought, care, respect and a positive practical approach.

 You might have practical skills and many years of working experience to offer, or you may just be starting out in your career and looking for a role which calls on your practical nature.  You don't need to be an expert in any field, but you will be able to demonstrate that you hold the values and behaviours that ensure our customers and visitors know we care.

 Technical:

• NVQ Level 3 or BTEC Level 3 in an appropriate subject or equivalent previous experience, desirable. 
• Proven experience of working with and leading volunteers
• Some experience in line management
• Experience of delivering works to time, specification and budget.
• Countryside practice and vegetation skills may be an advantage.
• Basic IT skills - comfortable with modern handheld mobile devices for making calls, inputting information, and use of mobile applications etc.
• Valid UK driving licence 

General: 

• You will demonstrate great care in the quality and standard of your work. 
• You will be a good communicator and have excellent customer service awareness - you will be the face of the Canal & River Trust on our waterways and will handle all communication with respect. 
• Experience working in a relevant environment - paid work or as a volunteer (outdoors related, environmental related, customer service etc)