Moments That Inspire

Sharing knowledge and creating unforgettable experiences

Hours: Minimum 4 hours per week on a rostered schedule
Location: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator

Role Overview:

As a Visitor Experience Guide, you will play a key role in creating memorable, informative, and enjoyable experiences for our guests. You’ll be trained across different areas of the reserve — including Exotics, Natives, Heritage Livestock, and Kiwi — beginning in one section before expanding your knowledge into others.

Each shift focuses on a specific section, allowing you to build confidence, deepen your understanding, and share engaging stories that help visitors connect with wildlife and conservation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage with visitors by sharing information about animals, habitats, and conservation efforts
• Answer questions and provide directions, encounter times, and general assistance
• Enhance the visitor experience through friendly, informal educational conversations
• Represent Willowbank with professionalism and positivity at all times
• Work collaboratively with fellow guides and staff to create a welcoming environment
• Follow Willowbank’s Visitor Experience Guide code of conduct
• Wear the provided Visitor Experience Guide uniform during shifts

Shift Details:

• Minimum one-year commitment
• Shift start times: 9:30am or 1:30pm
• Minimum 4 hours per shift
• Opportunity to stay for both shifts if available
• Weekly roster, with potential for additional shifts by arrangement

Training:

• Structured training provided in each section before progressing to the next
• Ongoing support and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator and team

Training areas include:
• Exotics
• Natives
• Heritage Livestock
• Kiwi

Requirements:

• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with the public
• Passion for wildlife and conservation
• Ability to work with diverse groups of visitors
• Friendly, patient, and professional approach
• Reliable and able to commit to one rostered shift per week
• Flexible and open to additional shifts when available

What You’ll Gain:

• Experience in wildlife interpretation and public engagement
• Increased knowledge of native and exotic species
• Confidence in public speaking and customer service
• The opportunity to inspire visitors and support conservation education
• Being part of a passionate team creating meaningful wildlife experiences