RSPB Fairburn Ings is an exciting site which attracts lots of incredible wildlife as well as plenty of visitors. From families, to dedicated wildlife watchers, we need YOU to help make their visit the best it can possibly be!
As a retail volunteer, you will assist in the running and upkeep of the shop at RSPB Fairburn Ings. We sell a wide range of products, from cards to binoculars, which you’ll have the opportunity to promote and hopefully(!) sell. Some of the most popular products on sale include our range of ‘wildlife food & care’.
Our primary mission at the RSPB is to give nature a home. We do this not only by managing our nature reserves but by also giving our visitors the opportunity to let nature thrive around their own home. All of the bird food we sell is of high quality and includes information on the particular species each food type is favoured by. We also sell a variety of specialist feeders, designed to hygienically house the food, whilst allowing bird visitors to eat comfortably and safely.
Many of the bird care products we sell are our own brand and have been designed based on our experiences to be enticing to particular bird species, functional and interesting. Various examples can be seen in action in a number of feeding locations around our site. Visitors will hopefully then feel inspired to replicate the feeding stations they’ve seen around the reserve within their own garden. We also have larger products on sale too including bird houses, bird baths, and bird tables which are all perfect additions to a wildlife friendly garden.
Many customers will have questions regarding preferred bird food, feeding techniques, and how to attract wildlife to their garden. Therefore having a basic understanding about the products on sale is beneficial.
As many of our visitors will be keen birdwatchers themselves, we also have a range of binoculars and telescopes on sale. You will be provided with plenty of support and information to help you give the right advice to any customers wanting to purchase binoculars or scopes.
We also have a wide range of books on sale including bird ID and other exciting wildlife associated books. Clothing, seasonal gifts and cards are also available from our shop.
As a retail volunteer, you will play a vital role in the day to day operation of the visitor centre.
This will include welcoming customers and processing payments through the till. You’ll also help to ensure that the shop remains presentable by assisting in frequent cleaning. You’ll naturally be provided with full training beforehand to ensure you’re confident doing so. Of course, creating the best customer experience possible is crucial therefore we’re looking for passionate volunteers that will enjoy their role and want to keep visitors happy. You’ll have plenty of engaging conversations with lots of people, from bird watchers & wildlife enthusiasts to hikers and families.
Thank you for your interest in possibly becoming an RSPB Fairburn Ings retail volunteer, I hope this blog has given you an insight into what the role involves. You will be working with some amazing people and gain useful experience working in the hospitality industry.
We hope to see you soon!
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