Caithness Seal Rehab & Release We are a small seal rehabilitation centre in the far north of Scotland. We officially started accepting seal pups in 2022 and have been inundated with pups ever since. We rescue, rehabilitate and release Grey Seal pups as well as Common Seal pups. We do have local volunteers but we are now accepting volunteers from abroad, who are looking to get experience working with seal pups. We do require some sort of experience working with and caring for wild animals but this is not a deciding factor. Location Brough, Caithness, Highlands, Scotland, KW14 8YE Travel Required You will need your own transport if local. Applicants from outside the UK must arrange their own transport to and from the rehabilitation centre. Please be aware that we can only take volunteers from abroad for 30 days only. Accommodation Provided In the summer (April to September) we do not have accommodation unless you have your own tent, motorhome or campervan, then you can stay on our campsite. In the winter October to March) we do have accommodation available. Its is a self catering twin room which you may have to share with another volunteer. You are responsible for buying your own groceries and preparing your own meals. Wi-Fi and washing facilities are available, as is the use of our kitchen for cooking. We supply all bedding and towels. Accommodation is not available for local volunteers. Salary No, volunteers only, unpaid. Start date – Immediately End date – 30/03/2025 (Depending on whether we still have seal pups in the hospital) We will accept applications from abroad for a minimum of one month. Local applicants, we will accept applications for a minimum of one month but would prefer the five month duration. There will be a shift pattern which will be worked out around the seal pups feeding times. Usually four shifts per day. Starting in the morning and into the late evening. Shifts tend to be between 1h30 mins to 2hrs30 mins. Depending on which shift and how many people are working together. You will be required to do as many shifts as necessary, per day, if staying on site. If local, at least three shifts a week. If you are unable to commit to regular shifts, please do not apply. You must be able bodied and be capable of doing all roles. The cleaning of pens does involve some heavy lifting and moving. If you are helping with feeding there will be a lot of bending down and kneeling. Waterproof trousers and jackets will be provided, but if you have your own that would be helpful. Wellies or appropriate closed in waterproof shoes to be worn. Jewellery that may get in the way of what you are doing must be kept to a minimum Role and Responsibilities Cleaning Pens - All permanent pens and mobile pens are to be disinfected every morning. Rubber mats are taken out and sprayed down, then put back. Towels to be taken out and put in the washer. Clean towels to be put in pens. Turn the washer on if the machine is full. Pen floors to be mopped with disinfectant solution. Pen partitions to be cleaned if required. Paddling pools to be emptied, cleaned, disinfected and refilled and put back in the pens. ICU unit floor (general area) and large pens in building two (general area) to be mopped thoroughly with disinfectant solution when all pens & feeding is finished. (Mop under counters & move the bins etc.) Food Preparation – Skinning and gutting fish (Training provided). Mixing milk formula, vitamins/minerals, cod liver oil. Washing all equipment and food prep areas after food preparation is finished. Cleaning the pool area – Hosing and cleaning down any mats, hosing down the pool area & picking up any fish remains. Helping Phil empty & fill the pool. Feeding – This will be done by experienced staff only. Wound Treatments, Medicine Administration and Taking Temperatures – This will be done by experienced staff only. Volunteers may get the opportunity to learn. Weighing pups – This will be done under supervision from an experienced staff member. General Duties – To keep all areas of the hospital clean, tidy and presentable. To keep all stored disinfectant containers etc. clean. Wipe down all splash-back boards, surfaces, cupboards, fridges etc. Filling & emptying the washing machine. Hanging out & bringing in towels. Emptying bins. This list of roles and responsibilities is not exhaustive and will be subject to change at any time. There may be more general duties as we get into the season. Personable requirements The applicant must have a passion for wildlife and its conservation. The applicant must be interested in learning about our seal pups. The applicant will be expected to get to know the pups, their personalities and how to look after them. This is hard work, it can be a long day when working numerous shifts. Your time and effort is important to the smooth running of the hospital. Please contact us by email: sealrehabrelease2022@hotmail.com<mailto:sealrehabrelease2022@hotmail.com> Our website address is www.caithness-seal-rehab-release.co.uk<http://www.caithness-seal-rehab-release.co.uk> Tel: 01847 851927 Company number: CS005915 Registered Charity number: SC052004