WTSWW_high_res_logoCardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre CBMWC logo without boarderNew Quay Wales <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org Dedicated to conserving Cardigan Bay’s marine wildlife through education and research The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) is recruiting for a volunteer for the Autumn season (7th September – 2nd November 2015), to collect data on the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay and to help run our visitor centre, educational and awareness raising activities. Applications close at midnight on 22nd June. About CBMWC The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is based in New Quay, west Wales, UK and is the marine wing of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Since 1996 we have been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Using boat-based and land-based surveys, photo-ID and acoustic studies we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the wider Irish Sea. We also run a busy visitor centre as well as an education and activity room which offers marine educational and awareness raising activities for families with young children. Position description A seasonal volunteers is required for the Autumn period from 7th September – 2nd November 2015 to help with our ongoing research, education and awareness-raising programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. As CBMWC is run almost entirely by volunteers, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and meet new people who share your interests. You will learn about the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. The data you collect will contribute to long running research studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage, abundance, photo-identification and acoustic studies. There may also be additional opportunities to gain experience in boat handling and seamanship skills. 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* · Educational and awareness raising activities with children and the general public · Data entry and checking · Updating daily sightings information · Beach cleans · Aquarium maintenance · Cleaning and general upkeep of CBMWC premises * 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 carrying out shore-based activities. Important: You may be expected to work up to 8 hours a day, six days a week. Some training and activities may take place outside of normal office hours. Field work can involve long periods outdoors and in inclement weather. All volunteers are expected to contribute to all CBMWC activities, tasks and field work and to attend all training sessions provided. Person specification: Essential skills · Positive, reliable, responsible, conscientious and mature attitude · Ability to work and live closely with others as part of a small team · Strong work ethic 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 · Interest and/or experience of working with children in environmental education · Research and surveying experience · IT skills, including Microsoft Office and GIS · Interest and or/experience in salt water aquaria Please note that enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since full training is provided. Volunteer fee An administration fee of £45 will be required from all successful applicants. Accommodation and expense arrangements Shared accommodation in a comfortable and fully equipped house will be arranged for successful volunteers (where required) at a cost of £55 per week, including fuel bills. Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. Due to payment arrangements with the house owners, accommodation costs are required in advance to cover the cost of each block so before applying please ensure that you can cover this and all other expenses. How to apply Download a seasonal volunteer application form from our website www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/ and email it along with a CV and covering letter (no more than one side of A4) outlining how you meet the personal specification and your motivations for applying to volunteer@cbmwc.org with ‘Volunteer application 2015’ in your subject line. Incomplete applications will not be assessed so please make sure you complete the form fully, including availability and be sure to attach your CV and covering letter. Contact: For further information and any queries, please contact Laura Evans, Volunteer Co-ordinator Email: volunteer@cbmwc.org Tel: 01545 560224 Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS