'Sea Watch Dolphin Guide' Two opportunities in Cardigan Bay for the 2015 summer season The Sea Watch Foundation <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> , in collaboration with Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips (DSBT) is seeking two part-time Sea Watch Dolphin Guides for the 2015 season. This position will suit volunteers who have a passion for marine conservation and recognise the importance of educating and raising awareness amongst the public. The Dolphin Guide will be responsible for assisting DSBT with day-to-day public interactions on their tourist boat trips by: . Presenting brief speeches on local wildlife (focussing on bottlenose dolphins) during the two hour trips . Promoting the local marine code of conduct . Providing brief histories of dolphins regularly encountered in the bay to passengers . Answering passenger queries . Liaising with SWF about events and activities to promote to interested passengers . Social media activities surrounding trips and sightings for DSBT The Dolphin Guide will be responsible for assisting Sea Watch with its operations by: . Collecting scientific data on board the vessels . Reporting sightings and taking part in office-based data entry . Educating passengers about the Cardigan Bay dolphins and research carried out by Sea Watch in the area . Promoting the wider work of Sea Watch and the national sightings scheme . Maintaining on board educational/promotional materials as well as ticket office displays . Promotion of the SWF Adopt A Dolphin scheme, including signing up new adoptees and helping to maintain a blog . Linking sightings and news events with the SWF Adopt A Dolphin scheme via social media The season will run from May 25th to October 18th 2015. Accommodation is local and provided for free by DSBT in exchange for your volunteer time. The Sea Watch Dolphin Guides are responsible for their own travel and living expenses, but DSBT are offering additional part-time paid roles to supplement the guides' income. Important skills/qualifications Essential: * a strong interest in marine conservation and education * confidence to interact with the public * confidence on the water * excellent communication skills * must have initiative and bring their own ideas and personality to the position * strong commitment to volunteering work * an ability to work in an organised and reliable manner and to manage a variable workload * an ability to get on well with others in a small team with different objectives * willingness to share accommodation with other guide Desirable: * a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar * a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans * good IT skills (Office package) * prior experience in public speaking * prior experience with social media * prior experience in boat-based survey work * any boat based experience and or qualifications * willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather Sea Watch Foundation will be offering their full support and training to the guides throughout the season. The season begins with a compulsory training week alongside SWF's residential interns and shortly into the period, Sea Watch Dolphin Guides will be expected to attend SWF's Cetacean Survey Training Course (June 13th/14th) as part of their development. Please note that this training is all provided for free as part of the role. Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips provide an interesting and at times challenging workplace. Instruction on boat related safety at sea will be undertaken and if desired, nationally recognised boat-related safety courses will be offered at no cost. Volunteering with DSBT offers an invaluable experience of the non-intrusive wild dolphin watching industry, within a company with over fifty years of experience and a close association to a charity dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife. To apply: Please send your CV, covering letter and contact details of two referees, to Kathy James (kathy.james@seawatchfoundation.org.uk). Deadline: 29th March 2015. Please specify SEA WATCH DOLPHIN GUIDE into your subject title. Applicants must be available for interview via Skype during the week commencing 6th April. Thank you! Kathy James Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk
