We are looking to recruit an energetic individual to support the development and delivery of the Trust’s comprehensive and varied programme of volunteer activities that runs throughout the year across the Tyne and Northumberland catchments in both isolated rural areas and urban sites.
Job Opportunity: Volunteer Coordinator
Salary: £26,000 pro rata
Work Pattern: 22.5hrs/week
Working Arrangements: Hybrid- Flexible office/home working
Contract Length: Initial 12 months with ambition for extension
The Trust
We are Tyne Rivers Trust (TRT), the only environmental charity dedicated to looking after the iconic Tyne and its tributaries. We work to improve our rivers through conservation action and engagement.
The Tyne and its tributaries flow through the picturesque counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland. A mixture of beautiful, wide-open spaces, rich ravines and fascinating industrial heritage.
In 2026, TRT will acquire Northumberland Rivers Trust, expanding our project area by 95%. With growing environmental pressures and a much larger geographical area to cover, the organisation is preparing for significant growth.
We work to improve our rivers through education, reducing pollution, and practical conservation. Our 200-plus volunteers are an essential part of our team, helping to make a difference to both people, wildlife and water quality. Our varied volunteer programme runs all year round. Typical tasks include:
- Restoring riverbanks using traditional skills like willow weaving
- Hedge laying to slow the flow of water
- Tree planting to tackle climate change
- River clean-ups to reduce plastic in rivers
- Water quality monitoring
- Tackling invasive plant species that threaten our native plants.
Our most important asset is our people, and we want to recruit the best. You will be joining a friendly and committed team of experts who are passionate about improving the Tyne and Northumberland rivers.
The Role – Volunteer Coordinator
We are looking to recruit an energetic individual to support the development and delivery of the Trust’s comprehensive and varied programme of volunteer activities that runs throughout the year across the Tyne and Northumberland catchments in both isolated rural areas and urban sites.
Role Purpose
You will be one of two Volunteer Coordinators at the Trust, you will play a key role in protecting and enhancing the rivers of the Tyne through practical conservation, education, and community engagement. You will lead and support our 200+ volunteers, delivering a diverse programme of activities. Your work will directly improve water quality, safeguard wildlife, and tackle environmental challenges such as pollution and invasive species. This role offers the chance to work alongside a friendly, passionate team of experts, making a real difference to people, nature, and the health of our rivers.
Person Specification: Essential
- Experience supervising volunteers and running practical conservation activities.
- Knowledge of health and safety practices, including risk assessments for outdoor tasks.
- Ability to plan and deliver volunteer-led projects, liaising with landowners and other stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience working as part of a team.
- Strong organisational, administrative, and IT skills, including Microsoft 365.
- Ability to manage own workload, prioritise tasks, and work independently.
- Flexible approach to working, including some weekend work, and access to a vehicle.
- Self-motivated, proactive, practical, and enthusiastic about environmental volunteering.
- Current driving licence and access to own transport.
Please see the full Job Description here: Job Description
Applications
If you do not meet all the criteria but are still motivated by the role, please get in touch. We believe the most important thing is the person and their attitude and are keen to hear from you.
More information on the role is available in the Job Description. To discuss the position in more detail, or for a general, informal discussion about working at TRT, please contact: Simone Saville, Head of Learning and Engagement, on 07513721762 or by email at s.saville@tyneriverstrust.org.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter demonstrating your ability to fulfil the role to Simone Saville as above.
Tyne Rivers Trust works across a large catchment, diverse in its inhabitants and their needs. We are committed to being an inclusive organisation. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome your background, experiences and thoughts as an individual to deliver the best work we can as a team. Should you need support with your application, please contact us.
Deadline for applications is midnight 19 April 2026 with interviews scheduled for 5 and 6 May 2026.
