Summary

We have over 250 volunteers across the Fenland portfolio who give us their time and bring their passion and varied skills to help us share our stories about history, nature and beauty. They support us practically by helping to care for our 4 special places: Houghton Mill, Wicken Fen, Willington Dovecote and Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse. They welcome visitors, mill flour, lead guided tours, check livestock, look after outside spaces, and support our campsites, shops, and cafes. Whilst you won't be responsible for line managing all these volunteers, we'll expect you to be their champion.  

What it's like to work here

Houghton Mill is the last working watermill on the River Ouse. With a charming riverside location, the property includes the Mill, a tearoom and a campsite. The small but ambitious team work together to provide access to the surrounding countryside and an engaging visitor experience which includes milling flour that can then be purchased onsite. A strong team spirit and collaborative working environment is key, and the staff are looking for flexible, creative people to join them. As a portfolio-wide role you will also travel regularly to Wicken Fen to support the team there, as well as meeting through our online channels.

What you'll be doing

You'll be leading our programme for volunteer engagement, ensuring the volunteering experience is positive and fulfilling. It is a new role that will help improve volunteering across the portfolio. You’ll be supporting the volunteer managers with day-to-day line management of volunteers and looking for opportunities to make links with our local communities. You'll be on the duty management rota as part of the operational team at Houghton Mill which includes regular weekend working.

Who we're looking for

You'll need to have the following skills and experience: 

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of volunteering and be enthusiastic about promoting the benefits of great volunteer involvement and opportunities

• Be passionate and enthusiastic about working with volunteers and understand the differences between staff and volunteers, particularly the legal frameworks

• Have excellent customer services and communication skills

• Have a flexible approach and be a great team player, be able to lead on and work with other people's agendas towards a common purpose

• Be well organised and attentive to detail

• A sound working knowledge of volunteering principles and practice

• IT skills (Microsoft Office)

• Knowledge and experience of budget management

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.