Residential Volunteers (One Month Placements), Hoy

When: 23 March 2026 – 25 September 2026
Commitment: Minimum 4 weeks, during the above dates.

Why We Want You:

We are looking for volunteers to join us on our reserves team in Orkney, based principally at our Hoy reserve with opportunities to assist at many of our other 12 Orkney reserves. As Hoy residential volunteer, you will be joining our dedicated reserves team to help us deliver a wide range of monitoring, practical and public engagement activities.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation while gaining valuable insight and experience that would support those wishing to pursue a career in nature reserve management, field biology, ecology or conservation science.

What’s in it for you?

The work programme with the Orkney reserves team will provide an exciting range of opportunities for you to develop your knowledge and skills in conservation. You will become a member of the reserves team working alongside our staff in some incredibly scenic landscapes in Orkney. You will contribute to the gathering of reserve data to help understand and focus our future management. You will gain experience of working on a range of habitats that may include moorland, bog, lochans, grassland, sea cliff, Arctic-alpine, dunes, wetland and native woodland habitats. The work is very varied and will offer opportunities to gain a wealth of experience necessary for pursuing a career in nature conservation. Tasks shift with the seasons but depending on timing and duration may include:

• Collecting and collating biological records for our key species including hen harriers, lowland waders and seabirds.
• Practical management of a range of habitats and learning how to improve habitats for key species
• Habitat condition monitoring
• Removing scrub from moorland to improve the habitat for key wildlife
• People engagement/ events/ leading guided walks
• Experience of working in a team
• Experience of living and working within a remote island community
• Training in and use of GIS software to produce maps and input biological data
• Experience of infrastructure maintenance including fencing, footpaths, benches and signs
• Developing knowledge of using livestock as a tool for managing habitats
• Attending formal accredited training as required by the role
• Experience of RSPB reports and the management planning process
• Knowledge of RSPB culture
• Navigation skills
• Assisting with infrastructure and visitor safety checks to maintain quality visitor experience
• There will also be opportunities for self-learning or to pursue personal natural history projects. Depending on interests there may be opportunities to meet with other RSPB staff including farming, conservation and events.

We will support your career development by helping you with application writing and career coaching through regular one to one meetings. These will be conducted by RSPB staff with knowledge of pursuing a career in conservation.

Requirements

Essential

• You must be 18 years or over
• Enthusiasm for the role
• This role requires a reasonable amount of physical activity, outdoors in varied weather conditions in wild remote locations so applicants must be physically and mental prepared to meet those challenges
• Communication skills
• An interest in conservation and natural history
• The ability to work alone as well as part of a team
• Ability and desire to live in shared accommodation

Desirable

• Specialist knowledge is not necessary, but experience of species monitoring, and bird ID would be an advantage
• Enthusiasm to embrace remote community life
• A driving licence is an advantage
• Ability to navigate by map, compass and GPS

Notes:

Appropriate training for tasks will be provided.

Accommodation is provided free of charge close to the Hoy reserve. A bicycle is available to use. Local facilities are available including a variety of shops, post office, bakers, butchers and doctors some of which involve ferry travel. The nearest supermarkets are located about 5 miles away (by ferry) from the Hoy accommodation.

The RSPB will provide accommodation, together with basic services, free of charge for the period you are volunteering, and cover any expenses incurred as a necessary part of your work on the reserve. There is no charge to take part in the scheme. It is your responsibility to cover the cost of your transport to and from the reserve, and to provide and cover the cost of your food during your stay.

Deadline for applications 1st March 2026.

If you have any further questions, please contact [email protected] or phone the office on 01856 791298. Please apply directly through the apply button on this page.