CETACEAN EDUCATION ASSISTANT HEBRIDEAN WHALE AND DOLPHIN TRUST - TOBERMORY, ISLE OF MULL Be part of a whale and dolphin conservation programme in 2016, in the heart of the UKs most celebrated and diverse marine environment; the Scottish Hebrides! Our Purpose: The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is the leading voice for the conservation of Hebridean cetaceans; dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within local communities towards lasting conservation. About the Placement: HWDT operates a vital cetacean monitoring programme in the Scottish Hebrides, conducting research into the distribution, abundance and habitat use of whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks. The programme is well established, running for over 20 years. This is a fantastic opportunity for passionate, outgoing individuals to join our team based in the colourful and picturesque harbour town of Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull; where we have our office, Visitor Centre and the mooring for our research vessel Silurian. During the placement you will work with our Education Team, visiting local primary schools, and in our busy Visitor Centre to support the delivery of our research and education programme. You will benefit from one-to-one training in environmental education, gain valuable hands-on experience in visitor engagement and interpretation, carry out boat based field research; learning visual and acoustic data collection techniques. Placement Dates: We are offering two 6-month volunteer placements running from Monday 21st March Friday 30th September 2016. Volunteers will work 5 days a week, including weekends and must be able to commit to the full placement length. What you will get out of it: - One-to-one environmental education training (both formal and informal) - Visitor engagement and customer service skills development - Hands on experience in event planning and resource development - Boat based marine mammal survey training (a minimum of 12 days at sea) Valuable networking opportunities with partner organisations and the potential to take part in additional training courses i.e. tissue sampling courses Vital workplace experience for career in marine conservation/education Opportunity to live and work on a beautiful, remote Scottish Island. Accommodation and living expenses: During the volunteer placement accommodation can be arranged for you through our team. Typically, accommodation in a shared house in Tobermory will costs between £60-£80 per week (inclusive of bills). Tobermory is the largest town on the Isle of Mull with a good range of facilities including a small co-op, pharmacy, pubs, gift shops and cafes. Other amenities you may require i.e. large high street chains, supermarkets, train station etc. can be found in Oban; a 45minute ferry journey away. Please be aware that Mull is a remote island; only accessible by ferry links from the Scottish mainland. Unfortunately no living expenses will be covered by HWDT, although travel to and from events attended will be reimbursed. Role description: Deliver a daily Visitor Centre activity programme, including presentations and workshops about local marine wildlife. Assist with Visitor Centre administration including recording talk numbers, sales and memberships. Assist the Education Team to deliver land based school talks and field trips onboard our unique Floating Classroom; Silurian. Assist with boat-based marine mammal surveys; collecting and recording visual sightings data, acoustic monitoring and carrying out photo ID research. Carry out headland wildlife watching events for visitors; spotting and identifying seabirds and marine mammals for people of all ages. Organise and run summer clubs for local children, attend community events and shows. Develop educational resources and write feature articles for the Trusts monthly newsletter and bi-annual publication Wave. Person Specification: Essential ü Friendly, confident open communication style ü Keenness to learn new skills ü Previous customer service experience ü Experience delivering activities for young people ü Passionate about marine conservation ü Ability to live and work with colleagues as part of a small team Desirable ü Degree in relevant education or environmental subject ü Experience working with schools ü Knowledge of Scottish cetaceans ü Full drivers licence and access to a car To apply: Please email a current C.V. and covering letter outlining why you are applying for the opportunity to volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org. For more information please contact Morven Russell on 01688 302620. Application deadline: 12 noon 22nd January 2016. Interviews: w/c 8 Feb 2016 Morven Russell Volunteer Coordinator Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 <mailto:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org> volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/> www.hwdt.org Please note my standard working days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.