Volunteer Archivist

Do you enjoy being surrounded by old documents and seeing an administrative task through to completion? This is an excellent opportunity to support WWT by ensuring that our site documents are preserved and safe, in a logical order, and easily accessible when needed.

We are looking for a Volunteer Archivist to help us manage the large collection of physical records, files, and documents kept at WWT Slimbridge. You will be supporting our work by assisting site staff in sorting through boxes of site plans, maps, and other important documents. Once digitised, the files will be an excellent resource that can be shared and easily accessible by staff across WWT.

You will need a good eye for detail and enjoy systematically organising and cataloguing documents, identifying documents that need keeping, and ones that are either duplicates or no longer relevant or useful. This is an important role in capturing and recording information about our sites and buildings, ensuring our heritage of the last 80 years is preserved, and freeing up much-needed space.

This is a hands-on role that cannot be done remotely, although there may be a prospect in the future to undertake remote desk-based uploading and sorting of scanned documents. We are aiming to develop and expand a team of volunteer archivists across WWT who can inform and assist our other sites with their archiving needs. There would be opportunities to assist in the development of the framework for this, and opportunities to work at other sites if so desired.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

No previous experience is required for this role as full training will be provided, and a willingness to learn new skills is more important.

This role would suit you if:

• You can work independently using your own initiative and are self-motivated
• You are methodical and highly organised, with have good attention to detail
• You have excellent written communication skills
• You have (or are willing to develop) experience in filing and archiving administration
• You have an interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
• You have a good understanding of using Microsoft Word and Excel
• You can save and organise electronic documents in a sensible consistent format
• You have experience of using commercial printers, photocopiers, and scanners (training provided)

Additional notes

• We are looking for volunteers who are available to help out one day a week (days and times flexible)

We are WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn new skills or spend time in our wildlife-rich wetlands, there’s a volunteer role for you. Just a few hours spent volunteering can really make a world of difference to our wildlife, and to you.

So, come surround yourself with the wonder of wetlands, and the people who inject their energy and passion into them. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. The only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love volunteering at WWT

• Make a real contribution to the conservation and engagement work of WWT
• Work at one of our beautiful and internationally important wetland sites
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded nature lovers who bring energy, passion, and expertise to their role
• Make new friends and become part of a friendly and inclusive community
• Gain volunteering experience and learn & develop new skills
• Get volunteer discounts for WWT shops, café, and membership
• Get free entry to all our UK wetland centres, including for your family
• Receive access to wildlife talks, webinars, and practical information to help you manage your volunteer role & daily life
• Keep informed about what’s happening in our organisation and the positive change you are helping to make happen