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ESC: LAST CALL: Volunteering for Nature – Experience the unexpected

Code: 50603 Copied

Poland European Voluntary Service Environment European Voluntary Service Environment Fixed dates

About the project

ESC: LAST CALL: Volunteering for Nature – Experience the unexpected

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

The Complex od Swietokrzyskie and Nida River Landscape Parks (ZSiNPK) aims to protect and manage the natural, historical and cultural resources of the Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship. Their main goal include environmental education, promotion of sustainable tourism and preservation of biodiversity also on Natura 2000 sites. Key stakeholders includes local communities, educational institutions, farmers, environmental organizations and tourists. ZSiNPK has two main locations: the headquarters in Kielce and Environmental Education Centre in Umianowice (EEC). The EEC provides educational activities focused on the environmental values, conservation methods and modern farming methods specific to the Ponidzie region (south part of Swietokrzyskie voivodeship). The center offerings includes nature-themed lectures, workshops, outdoor games, ecologicial actions and open events such as eco-picnics. The educational program is tailored for the organized groups from schools, kindergardens and non-profit organizations. Activities are conducted in well-equipped rooms including educational and conference room but mostly outdoor: on bird observation tower, aviaries, animal enclosures and educational trails going within unique inland delta of Nida River.

💼 What the programme involves

Last call – one spot left! We are looking for one male volunteer to join a shared double room. The room is shared with another male volunteer; therefore, due to accommodation arrangements and comfort, we can only accept a male candidate at this stage. The preferred start date is no later than 1st of March. For this reason, we give priority to candidates from the European Union or those who already hold a valid long-term visa, as there is not enough time to complete a new visa procedure. In return, we offer a unique conservation programme combining wildlife care, environmental restoration, research support and education. You will work with farm animals and protected species, take part in restoring the inland delta of the Nida River and cooperate with scientists from the Polish Academy of Sciences and the University of Agriculture in Krakow. Field, laboratory, office and educational activities included. Apply now and make a real impact.

🏠 Accommodation on site

Please note that our Centre is in a remote area, far from towns and villages — ideal for those ready to fully commit to nature. You’ll stay in the main building with 60 beds in shared rooms with private bathrooms or in two attic rooms (twin bed) with a shared kitchen if you’re a long-term volunteer. Meals are cooked on-site but you also can cook by yourself. There’s also fast Wi-Fi. We have e-bikes to get around locally. Cars aren’t for volunteer use, but staff can often give lifts during work hours. The nearest shop is 5.5 km away, city Pińczów - 10 km and the closest bus stop 2.8 km.

🎒 Leisure activities

You will help us doing varied tasks with full support from staff for around 30 hours per week. Activities include: caring for farm animals like horses and sheep, protected species like turtles; environmental and hydrological monitoring with scientists; helping with educational programs for children and youth. You’ll also assist with social media management, event organization and various daily tasks. This experience will develop your nature conservation and some project management skills, teamwork and communication. Necessary trainings will be provided, including those from the ESC agency.

⚠️ Requirements

The Participant profile: Are you ready for a unique volunteer experience from February/March to the end of August? Join us at the Environmental Education Centre, where nature meets agriculture, education and science in a one-of-a-kind setting. During the day, you’ll be surrounded by dedicated staff, curious visitors and enthusiastic children. Evenings are typically calm and relaxing, though occasionally we host engaging events such as conferences, cultural gatherings or educational workshops. The Centre isn’t isolated, but it is some distance from towns and shops—so come prepared for a more rural rhythm of life. On weekends, we’ll make every effort to connect you with fellow volunteers from nearby Kielce to support social interaction and offer a change of scenery. This opportunity includes hands-on environmental work such as restoring habitats or helping with animal care, but also administrative tasks, especially supporting our social media and education programs. That’s why basics of Polish are essential as many staff members do not speak English. Who are we looking for? We’re seeking volunteers who are passionate, proactive and eager to contribute meaningfully in one or more of the following areas: * Agriculture & Animal Care. Ideal for students or professionals in agriculture, animal science, farming, veterinary medicine or zootechnics. You may be involved in caring for our horses, sheep, goats, turtles, amphibians or fish or supporting sustainable land management projects. * Nature & Life Sciences. Perfect for those with a background or strong interest in biology, botany, zoology, herpetology or ichthyology. You’ll have opportunities to support research, monitoring and non-formal education on local ecosystems. * Environmental Education & Events. We host thousands of participants annually through nature education programs, conferences, green schools and summer camps. Volunteers with skills or experience in environmental education, youth engagement or public speaking will thrive here. * Recreation & Tourism. Our facilities include a narrow-gauge railway, drezines and the Nidarium—the largest biotope aquarium in the region. There are many opportunities to support visitor experiences, organize events or develop exhibits. If you’re passionate about nature, animals, education and rural life—and you’re not afraid to get your boots muddy—this experience is for you. Come grow your skills, gain unforgettable experiences and help us make a real impact. We can’t wait to welcome you! Important links: www.pk.kielce.pl - our Institution; www.facebook.com/ZSiNPK - FB profile of our Institution; www.facebook.com/OEPwUmianowicach - the place where you will live and work; www.facebook.com/LIFE4Delta - our LIFE project.
Deadline: 31/03/2026 15:00

ℹ️ Additional information

The project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?
  • Training before and after the project
  • Health insurance during your project
  • round-trip travel reimbursement
  • accommodation and food
  • pocket money
  • language course
  • Return Week-end
  • Youth Pass and SVI international Volunteer passport

Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.

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📅 Available sessions

PL50603

23/03/2026 → 23/09/2026

Closed
Volunteers registered 0 / 2
♂ 0/1 ♀ 0/1
Deadline: 31/03/2026

ℹ️ Key information

Age required

18–30 years old

Solidarity donation

0.00 EUR

French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).

📍 Location

28-404 Umianowice, Poland

Poland

🌍 Location info

Local currency

Poland Zloty (PLN / zł)

Exchange rate

1 PLN = 0.228363 EUR

Rate as of 31/05/2026

Timezone

Central European Standard Time

Local time: 21:30 (12/11/2026)

✅ Features

🏠 Accommodation

Collective

🗣️ Languages spoken

English Polish