Volunteer minibus driver for Wildlife Field Visit trips - part-time

We are looking for volunteer drivers to help us on occasional Tuesdays to take the group to some of the nature field visits. If you have an interest in the natural world, it is a great opportunity to also join the group and learn some fascinating facts. It’s a way to see local attractions and visit places like nature reserves further afield. The minibus is stored in central Bradford and there may be pick-ups along the way.

Trips are always on Tuesdays, and different people share the job of driving the minibus to sites. The group explore a range of habitats both near and far from Bradford centre to study habitat natural history and management issues relating to their upkeep. Each visit is led by a dedicated enthusiast of flora and fauna to share knowledge of British species. The minibus is stored in central Bradford and there may be pick-ups along the way. Passengers are adults only as a volunteer you’ll visit a wide range of destinations. It’s a great way to see local attractions and amenities, and to meet new people.

Apply via our Microsoft form here or email bees@bradfordymca.org.uk https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAMAACrxAPVUMlNITEk0MlZMRFZSQlg4WFE1SzQ3NEszRC4u

Skills

No experience is needed apart from being a confident driver with no incidents in the last two years. These are all full day trips, so punctuality and reliability are essential. Do you have an interest in nature, wildlife, ornithology, botany or fungi? Bradford BEES (Bradford Environmental Education Service) have organised field trips for many years to sites across Yorkshire and beyond. When you volunteer you will be able to meet and shadow one of our friendly team members, who will show you around and explain the process for taking one of our buses out, as well as where things live. You’ll also have a good chat with our project worker and volunteers about the processes you need to follow. Anyone wishing to drive our vehicle has a MiDAS assessment, focusing on accessible transport and the differences between driving a car and a minibus. This entails an online theory test which takes around 4 hours and then a practical session with a supportive and knowledgeable trainer. Part of this session is a driving assessment. We arrange this for our volunteers and cover costs.