Volunteer Officers
Most of BTCV's work gives opportunities for Volunteer Officers to help us achieve more. It is a key policy of all our work to involve volunteers in helping to run the organisation.
The Volunteer Officer opportunities list is continually updated, so bookmark this page to check if there's a role for you.
Who are Volunteer Officers?
They're people who offer a regular amount of time to work with BTCV. Volunteer Officers, or VOs, help to organise BTCV and its projects, so that more people can get involved. VOs can be office based, site based or home based. VO opportunities include:
- organising project work
- raising money
- promoting the organisation
- advising projects
- training project leaders
- leading UK and International Conservation Holidays
Why become a VO?
Many people find that they can get work in the environmental sector if they've been a VO with BTCV. During 2004. 45% of our Volunteer Officers got a job in the environmental sector, 16% within BTCV.
If you're studying for a degree or college qualification, being a VO is a chance to work on real projects. Having practical experience helps with future employment too.
If you work part-time or took early retirement, being a VO enables you to 'put something back' into the environment at your own pace, and make a positive difference.
What's in it for you?
We aim to integrate your interests and expertise with our needs in a valuable working partnership.
- You can take advantage of accredited training courses including the BTCV Institute for Environmental Conservation
- Be happy - working with volunteers to achieve a project is an incredibly fulfilling experience
- You will be given responsibility and trusted along side staff
- You could be advising staff in specific fields of work
- You will be supported and managed by professional staff, backed by experts
- There are few limits to what you can achieve - it's up to you
Each Volunteer Officer is guided by a Volunteer Manager and has a clear role description, which is not a contract of employment. VOs are volunteers and not staff, although each makes an equally valuable and complementary contribution to BTCV.
VOs are trained and supported by BTCV. They receive management and personal development reviews, and learning plans. They are encouraged to take advantage of personal development opportunities, including relevant training courses. All we ask is that VOs make a commitment of a certain amount of time and to work agreed, usually regular, hours.
VO Vacancies
To see the list of Volunteer Officer vacancies, click on Opportunities. All VOs complete the simple form so that we know about your experience and skills. This will help you to get the most out of being a VO with BTCV.
