Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre New Quay Wales, UK www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Marine research volunteer opportunity Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) is recruiting volunteer visitor centre and bottlenose dolphin research assistants for the 2011 season (April to November). The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organisation based in New Quay, west Wales, UK and since 1996 has been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Through boat-based and land-based surveys we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations, with a focus on the photo-identification of the semi-resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC). To learn more, please visit www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Volunteer positions are available for a minimum of four weeks from 6th April through to 1st November 2011 to help with our ongoing research, education and awareness-raising programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and meet new people who share your interests. Learn about the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. Contribute to long running studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage and abundance research, photo-identification studies and act as a research assistant for a PhD project being undertaken by CBMWCs associate researcher. We also welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need boat support and office space to conduct their research projects. Please contact us to discuss whether your project ideas are feasible. Volunteers play a vital role in the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centres work. The centre relies on the generous help of volunteers to undertake its work and greatly appreciates your time. Please note enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since full training in species identification, data collection/entry and visitor centre operation is provided. Position description Responsibilities/duties will include (but are not limited to): * Visitor centre operation, including dealing with enquiries and taking boat bookings * Land-based surveys in conjunction with Ceredigion County Council * Boat-based surveys * Data entry and checking * Updating sightings information * Beach cleans * Educational activities with children and the general public Please note that boat surveys are weather dependent and volunteers take turns to join trips to act as onboard researcher. During times of bad weather, you will spend more time doing data entry and visitor centre work. You will be expected to work up to 8 hours a days, six days a week. Field work can involve long periods outdoors, in often inclement Welsh weather. All volunteers are expected to contribute to all CBMWC activities, tasks and field work and to attend all training sessions provided. As such, if you are only looking to gain field experience, this is not the opportunity for you. Essential skills * An interest in wildlife and conservation * Reliable, conscientious and mature attitude * Ability to work as part of a small team * Self-motivated with an ability to work unsupervised * Adaptable and patient (particularly as boat work is weather dependent) * Confident in dealing with the public both face to face and over the telephone * Fluency in English * Willing to ask for help if unsure and admit mistakes Desirable skills * Experience working with children, the public or in environmental interpretation or education * Good verbal and written communication skills * IT, design and fundraising skills are useful but not essential Time commitment Volunteers are needed from April 6th until 1st November 2011 for six separate four week blocks and one block of six weeks. Priority will be given to volunteers who are able to commit to more than one block. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are also welcome year round and are greatly appreciated. Volunteering dates 2011 * Block A: 6th April to 3rd May * Block B: 4th May to 31st May * Block C: 1st June to 28th June * Block D: 29th June to 26th July * Block E: 27th July to 6th September (6 weeks) * Block F: 7th September to 4th October * Block G: 5th October to 1st November Accommodation and expense arrangements Basic, shared accommodation can be arranged for committed volunteers (approx £55 per week). Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. How to apply Its easy to get involved - simply download an application form from our website www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/become_vol.asp, complete it and email it to volunteer@cbmwc.org with Volunteer application 2011 in your subject line or alternatively post your application form. Please make sure you fill in your availability. The closing date for applications is Friday 25th February 2011 Postal address: FAO: Laura Mears Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales For further information Visit www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/become_vol.asp If you have any questions please email volunteer@cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on +44 (0)1545 560032. __________________________________________________________________ Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS West Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560032 E-bost/E-mail: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info@cbmwc.org Website: <http://www.cbmwc.org> www.cbmwc.org For all the latest news and sightings information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter or become a fan of our Facebook page www.cbmwc.org http://twitter.com/CBMWC http://facebook.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's Marine Wildlife through education, interpretation and research. Cynorthwyo i gadw Bywyd gwyllt Moral Bae Aberteifi trwy addysg as ymchwil. __________________________________________________________________ The contents of this email are confidential and are solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email.