Planning and Nature Policy Volunteer - Northern Ireland

Where: Home-based or Northern Ireland Headquarters, Belvoir Forest, Belfast

When: All year round - long-term temporary to permanent

Commitment: Initially one weekday per week

Ongoing role with potential for development

What’s in it for you:

• The opportunity to expand your knowledge of planning, the planning application process and other areas of environmental planning.
• Increase knowledge of bird species, mitigation and other areas of environmental planning and site protection.
• The chance to include something new and exciting on your CV.

Why we need you:

• The RSPB is a conservation charity working to protect our environment. Nature is in crisis - but together we can save it.
• In Northern Ireland the Planning and Nature Policy Team monitors and responds to planning applications.
• We act as a consultee on applications to protect our reserves, our designated sites and the wider countryside.
• We need you to help us investigate planning proposals, collate information, produce written responses to conservation and planning queries, conduct data research, respond to scoping consultations and to provide support to the Planning and Nature Policy Team.
• We also need help to prepare, submit and monitor planning applications for RSPB NI under the direction of the Head of Nature Policy and Casework.

Requirements: Do you have:

• A qualification in planning (or working towards one), and an interest in ecology, sustainable development, environmental studies/issues or birds;
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail;
• The ability to interpret plans and drawings, and read OS maps;
• Good communication skills;
• The ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative;
• The ability to take guidance;
• Experience in Microsoft Word and Outlook; and,
• Knowledge of working with GIS, including preparation of maps (not essential as training will be provided).

Notes: Expenses will be reimbursed. If you have an interest in the environment you will enjoy volunteering for the largest conservation organisation in Europe.

We rely on the support and generosity of volunteers to make a difference. Please do think about it.