Engagement and Education Volunteer (Anywhere in Northern Ireland)

Engagement and Education Volunteer (Anywhere in Northern Ireland)

Available from 10/02/2026 to 03/09/2026

At Butterfly Conservation, we want to create a world where butterflies and moths are enjoyed by everyone, forever. We are looking for enthusiastic communicators to help us inspire the next generation and connect them to nature.

This role of Engagement and Education Volunteer is suitable for someone with previous experience of working in education or those keen to gain new skills and experience. A good level of knowledge of butterflies and moths/wildlife is desirable but not essential; the main criteria is a love of nature and the ability to communicate with children.

We will provide training and resources and you will be in the company of our contractor at all times. You will need a DBS check for this role which we will organise for you and you will need to take our online Safeguarding training module.

Volunteer role

Engagement and Education Volunteer

Volunteer manager

Engagement Team

Where you will be based

Outdoors

Why we want you

To deliver or assist with the delivery of Butterfly Conservation engagement and/or education activities with the aim of reaching out to new audiences. To help these audiences gain the most from their time with us by ensuring everyone is safe, knows what they are doing and has the right resources. To help a wider range of people connect with nature and feel empowered to make a difference for local wildlife. To help all people including children and those with additional needs gain the most from their time with us by ensuring everyone is safe, knows what they are doing and has the right resources.

What you will be doing

• Lead (or assist) engagement or education activities with a range of different groups and communities. Educational activities are typically run with small groups of children/young people (up to 15 at a time)
• Ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all who take part in activities.
• Help to promote engagement activities being run by Butterfly Conservation in your area (optional).
• Help to develop resources to be used during engagement activities (optional).
• Liaise with schools and/or informal settings and help to develop resources to be used during visits or at events (optional).

The skills you need

• Passionate about inspiring and enthusing people to discover and enjoy moths, butterflies and the environment in which they live.
• Good communication and timekeeping skills.
• Previous experience of working with a variety of different audiences (including children) is helpful but not essential.
• A good understanding of the natural world is desirable, but in-depth knowledge of plants, butterflies and moths is not essential as training will be provided.
• Some schools or events may be in rural areas, so having your own transport can be helpful. Please check with your key contact whether this is relevant to your role.

What's in it for you

• Develop your knowledge of plants, butterflies, moths and other fauna, plus key skills for life and work.
• Access to training in delivering elements of the curriculum.
• Increase your social circle with like-minded people, boosting your wellbeing.

Disclaimer

This role is seasonal and is generally active between March and August. It could take place in a variety of settings and at various times, depending on the nature of the groups or communities we are working with. If you are working with schools, activities usually take place during school hours, in term time, though there may be other aspects (e.g. liaising with schools, creating materials or publicising events) which can be done from home at any time. We ask for a minimum commitment to deliver or assist at one school visit or event. In addition, you will also be asked to complete training for this role. Most events or school visits take 2 - 4 hours but some can be longer. A DBS check is required for volunteers working regularly with children. Children aged 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult whilst volunteering. If you are aged 16 or 17, your parent may give written permission for you to volunteer unaccompanied. Please be aware that our insurance cover differs slightly for people aged 75 or over. Please contact the Volunteering Team for more information.