Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust: Boat and Land Based Volunteer Program 2012

In 2012, the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust (HWDT), will launch its  most comprehensive volunteer programme to date, allowing  select candidates to experience many aspects of cetacean conservation management off Scotland’s west coast.  HWDT believes that the basis of effective conservation is a combination of research and education; our volunteers will experience both of these aspects whilst working with HWDT.  The volunteer will support the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s Biodiversity Officer on board our research vessel Silurian during one of its monitoring surveys and will also support the Trust through interpretation, education and promotion when based at the Tobermory headquarters.

 

 

Volunteer roles will include:

 

* Assisting the Biodiversity Officer onboard our research vessel Silurian. Tasks will include:

   - training volunteers in acoustic and visual data collection methodology; 

   - supervising the correct collection, entry and storage of visual and acoustic survey data;

   - operating the hydrophone and acoustic monitoring system, including troubleshooting and repairs;

   - participating fully in the domestic and sailing aspects of monitoring surveys and

   - coordinating and managing volunteers.

* On land, volunteers will help the Biodiversity Officer conduct preliminary analysis on data collected during the survey. including photo identification work and acoustic analysis.

* Working alongside our Education Officer, attending and promoting HWDT at various events throughout the summer.

* Organising and conducting land based surveys.

* Promote relationships with local marine users including tour operators, fishermen and tourists.  Volunteers will work alongside our Sightings Officer to develop the Community Sightings Network, encouraging more      people to report sightings and strandings and get involved with research efforts.

* Volunteers will be expected to help HWDT run its shop and education centre on the Tobermory Main Street. This will involve engaging with members of the public, promoting the membership and sponsorship schemes and chatting to customers about the local cetacean species.  It is likely that candidates will spend approximately a day a week helping run the shop.

* HWDT volunteers will also assist with activities offered at the harbour’s Marine Discovery Centre; maintaining a touch tank, giving short presentations about the animals on display and also giving short guided walks along the coast path in Tobermory.

* Volunteers will also be expected to help undertake marketing and general administrative tasks such as filling and shredding.

 

 

Recruitment dates

 

We are recruiting volunteers between May and September 2012.  Volunteers are invited to join one of four blocks, with each block lasting a period of 5 weeks.  Volunteers can join more than one block.

 

Block 1: Monday 30^th April – Friday 1^st June

Block 2: Monday 4^th June – Friday 6^th July

Block 3: Monday 9^th July – Friday 10^th August

Block 4: Monday 13^th August – Friday 15^th September

 

 

Candidate Requirements

 

Essential:

 

* An ability to work in a conscientious and reliable manner

* Enthusiastic, hard-working and self-motivated

* A strong commitment to volunteer work

* Excellent verbal and communication skills (public outreach is central to the role)

* Basic IT skills (Office package)

* An ability to get on well with others in a small team.

 

Desirable:

 

* A background in marine biology/environmental science or similar

* A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans

* Prior experience in boat-based survey work

*  Experience in interacting with the public

 

All volunteers will be trained in research techniques employed onboard Silurian.  Full training will also be provided for all other tasks that volunteers will be expected to undertake.  The selected candidates will be sent a pack of introductory materials and provided with a recommended reading list.

Candidates may have to undergo a (free) CRBS check as working with children may be required as part of the tasks involved in the programme. 

  

 

Expenses

 

HWDT runs on a tight budget and we cannot cover expenses or offer payment to the selected candidates.  Volunteers will be based in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses when on land.  Assistance will be given to those seeking accommodation, and once candidates have been chosen, the Volunteer Coordinator will help you make arrangements.  Accommodation can be found from about £55 per week.  It is possible to obtain part-time paid work in the area; there is potentially a paid position as a wildlife tour guide with a local boat operator.

Volunteers will be expected to cover the costs of their time onboard Silurian, approximately £30 per day. 

 

 

How to Apply 

Please send your C.V., a covering letter detailing any relevant experience, specifying the dates you would like to join and contact information of two referees, to:

Morven Summers
HWDT

Clydesdale Bank Buildings,
Main Street,
Tobermory
Isle of Mull
PA75 6NU
Tel: +44 (0)1688 302620

Email: volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org