HWDT Sightings and Strandings Officer Internship

Dear All,

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is looking for an intern to join its small team in Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, for a period of minimum 2 months to undertake a variety of research and education orientated tasks.  HWDT are keen to update their photo identification catalogues, improve the information displayed on our website and enhance relationships with local wildlife tour operators and sighting and stranding reporters.  This is a great opportunity for someone to develop their skills further and improve the HWDT monitoring and outreach programme.

Tasks will include: 

Community sightings/strandings and Photo-ID

• Assist with image matching and strandings ID
• Update databases with recent sightings and strandings
• Update website with recent sightings/strandings on each individual profile (http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-photo-identification-gallery.asp?gallery_id=12)
• Keep regular contact with sighting and stranding reporters.

Wildlife Operator Relations

• Implement a scheme that was developed in 2012, encouraging more cooperation and involvement from local wildlife tour operators
• Provide resources to wildlife operators
• Meet with wildlife operators to discuss recent research findings and maintain good communications for the season ahead

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 (engaging with the public is central to the role)
• IT skills (Office package, including Access)
• An ability to get on well with others in a small team.

Desirable:

• A background in marine biology/environmental science or similar
• Previous experience with Photo-ID analysis
• 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 given an introduction into the placement on arriving.  Full training will also be provided for all other tasks that you will be expected to undertake.  The selected candidate will be sent a pack of introductory materials and provided with a recommended reading list.

Recruitment dates

Placements are full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) for the period of June – September. If candidate is not available for full 4 month, sharing options could be discussed. Please indicate your availability in your application.

Expenses

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain income through working in HWDTs Shop and Visitor Centre on the Main Street in Tobermory.  A wage will be provided for days worked in the centre.   Volunteers will be based in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses.

How to Apply 

Please send your C.V., a covering letter detailing any relevant experience and contact information of two referees, to:

Mark Whitaker
HWDT

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

Email: volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org

Closing date is 30^th of March.  Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake a Skype interview with the HWDT team sometime in late April. 

Please note: candidates will only be contacted if short-listed.

HWDT BACKGROUND

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk) is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotland’s whales, porpoises and dolphins (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.  Established in 1994, it is a registered Scottish charity based in Tobermory, on the Hebridean Isle of Mull where it has its main, education and research offices and visitor centre and shop.  The Silurian, the Trust’s motor sailing ketch, which provides the platform for long-term monitoring work and acts as a floating classroom for educational work, is also based in Tobermory.

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Kerry Froud

Marine Biodiversity Officer

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

Clydesdale Bank Buildings

Tobermory

Isle of Mull

PA75 6NU

Tel: 01688 302620

biodiversityofficer@hwdt.org

www.hwdt.org

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The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotland’s 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.