Volunteer Development Officers

Scotlink; Pirbright; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization in Surrey is seeking dedicated individuals for two roles: Volunteer Youth & Inclusion Officer and Volunteer Training & Development Officer. These positions focus on engaging and developing volunteers to support nature recovery efforts. The roles require experience working with volunteers, a passion for nature, and effective communication skills. Responsibilities include delivering engagement programs, training, and support for volunteers, maintaining participation data, and leading activities. A hybrid working model enhances flexibility, making this a fulfilling opportunity for those committed to community and environment.

Benefits

Flexible working

Good pension provision

Opportunity to make a difference in nature recovery

Qualifications

• Passion for nature and community involvement.
• Experience successfully working with volunteers.
• A warm, inclusive approach to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Widen participation in volunteering across Surrey.
• Develop and deliver volunteer training programs.
• Support volunteers in their activities and development.

Job description

Overview

(two roles available)

£26,000 to £28,500 pa, dependent on experience

Hybrid working with office base in Pirbright

Flexible working, good pension provision, requirement for some weekend working through the year

Do you believe in the power of volunteers to restore nature? Are you passionate about supporting people, empowering young people, building skills and strengthening communities so that everyone can take action for nature?

For nearly 70 years, volunteers have been at the heart of our work, giving thousands of hours each year to protect and restore wildlife across Surrey. Our 2026–2031 Volunteer Strategy sets out an ambitious vision to enhance the volunteer experience, grow an engaged and skilled volunteer led community, and broaden the ways people can get involved in nature’s recovery.

We believe diversity strengthens our impact, and that volunteering should represent the richness of Surrey’s communities. These two roles will work together to help build an inclusive, resilient volunteer network, one that empowers individual action, strengthens local communities, and drives nature recovery. Each role has a slightly different emphasis.

Our supporters bring a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience that are essential for restoring the natural environment. By creating opportunities for volunteers to share their expertise, contribute ideas and take on leadership roles, we strengthen our collective efforts. In return, we aim to provide an excellent experience, one that benefits both the Trust and the incredible people who give their time and energy to our cause.

Responsibilities

• Volunteer Youth & Inclusion Officer – widen participation in volunteering across Surrey by developing opportunities that engage and inspire young people, nurturing partnerships with diverse communities, and ensuring inclusion is woven through every stage of the volunteer journey.
• You’ll collaborate across the Trust to support volunteers, lead onboarding for those needing extra support, develop youth focused programmes (11–18 and 18–30), working with colleagues to create new, flexible ways for people to get involved, from citizen science to tech-based opportunities.
• You’ll play a key role in delivering engaging volunteer communications, maintaining accurate CRM data, evaluating participation, ensuring safeguarding best practice, and leading weekend activities.

• Volunteer Training & Development Officer – develop and deliver a high quality training programme that builds volunteer skills in nature recovery and volunteer management, including training and support for new Voluntary Wardens, Self led Group Leaders and Voluntary Assistants.
• You will work with colleagues to help expand volunteer led activity across our sites and identify opportunities where volunteers can contribute to nature recovery.
• You will provide ongoing support to existing Voluntary Wardens, Voluntary Site Managers and self led groups, helping them stay confident, connected and well supported.
• You’ll also create opportunities for peer learning, skill sharing and citizen science participation to strengthen capability across the volunteer community.
• In addition, you will collaborate with colleagues to enhance the overall volunteer experience and support delivery of Trust wide goals. This role also involves delivering engaging volunteer communications, maintaining accurate CRM data, evaluating participation, ensuring safeguarding best practice, and leading or supporting weekend activities.

Qualifications

The full skills requirements for each role are available in the job profiles on our website. It is vital that you have a passion for nature, experience successfully working with volunteers, a warm, inclusive approach to those around you and an understanding of our work.

Additional information

This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the heart of a growing movement for nature recovery in Surrey. You’ll work with dedicated colleagues, passionate volunteers and supportive communities, helping people take meaningful action and shaping a volunteer led approach that will benefit wildlife for generations to come.

Due to the nature of both roles, which will require travel across Surrey, you will need a full UK driving licence and the commitment to work approximately 10 weekend days over the course of the year.

We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from backgrounds which may be underrepresented in our sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities.

We are committed to offering an interview to all candidates that meet the primary criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustment to make our recruitment process more accessible. We are a Disability Confident Employer.

If you fulfil the role criteria, please send a completed application form, available on our website, or a covering letter and CV, stating clearly which role is relevant to your experience to [e-mail]

The deadline for applications is midday Friday 27th February 2026.

Interviews will be held in person on 11th or 12th March 2026.