Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust: Boat and Land Based Volunteer Program 2012
In 2012, the Hebridean Whale &
Dolphin Trust (HWDT), will launch its
most comprehensive volunteer programme to date, allowing select candidates to
experience many aspects
of cetacean conservation management off Scotland’s west coast. HWDT believes
that the basis of effective
conservation is a combination of research and education; our volunteers will
experience both of these aspects whilst working with HWDT. The volunteer will
support the Hebridean Whale and
Dolphin Trust’s Biodiversity Officer on board our research vessel Silurian
during one of its monitoring
surveys and will also support the Trust through interpretation, education and
promotion when based at the Tobermory headquarters.
Volunteer roles will include:
* Assisting the Biodiversity Officer onboard our research
vessel Silurian. Tasks will include: - training volunteers in acoustic and
visual data collection methodology; - supervising the correct collection,
entry and storage
of visual and acoustic survey data; - operating the hydrophone and acoustic
monitoring
system, including troubleshooting and repairs; - participating fully in the
domestic and sailing
aspects of monitoring surveys and - coordinating and managing volunteers.
* On land,
volunteers will help the Biodiversity Officer conduct preliminary analysis on
data collected during the survey. including photo identification work and
acoustic analysis.
* Working
alongside our Education Officer, attending and promoting HWDT at various events
throughout the summer.
* Organising and conducting land based
surveys.
* Promote
relationships with local marine users including tour operators, fishermen and
tourists. Volunteers will work alongside
our Sightings Officer to develop the Community Sightings Network, encouraging
more people to report sightings and strandings and get involved with
research
efforts.
* Volunteers will
be expected to help HWDT run its shop and education centre on the Tobermory
Main Street.
This will involve engaging with members of the public, promoting the membership
and sponsorship schemes and chatting to customers about the local cetacean
species. It is likely that candidates
will spend approximately a day a week helping run the shop.
* HWDT volunteers
will also assist with activities offered at the harbour’s Marine Discovery
Centre; maintaining a touch tank, giving short presentations about the animals
on display and also giving short guided walks along the coast path in
Tobermory.
* Volunteers will
also be expected to help undertake marketing and general administrative tasks
such as filling and shredding.
Recruitment dates
We are recruiting volunteers between
May and September 2012. Volunteers are
invited to join one of four blocks, with each block lasting a period of 5
weeks. Volunteers can join more than one
block.
Block 1: Monday 30th April – Friday 1st
June
Block 2: Monday 4th June – Friday 6th
July
Block 3: Monday 9th July – Friday 10th
August
Block 4: Monday 13th August – Friday 15th
September
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 (public outreach is central to the role)
* Basic IT skills
(Office package)
* An ability to
get on well with others in a small team.
Desirable:
* A background in
marine biology/environmental science or similar* 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 trained in
research techniques employed onboard Silurian. Full training will also be
provided for all
other tasks that volunteers will be expected to undertake. The selected
candidates will be sent a pack
of introductory materials and provided with a recommended reading list.
Candidates may have to undergo a
(free) CRBS check as working with children may be required as part of the tasks
involved in the programme.
Expenses
HWDT runs on a tight budget and we
cannot cover expenses or offer payment to the selected candidates. Volunteers
will be based in Tobermory on the
Isle of Mull and are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living
expenses when on land. Assistance will
be given to those seeking accommodation, and once candidates have been chosen,
the Volunteer Coordinator will help you make arrangements. Accommodation can
be found from about £55 per
week. It
is possible to obtain part-time paid work in the area; there is potentially a
paid position as a wildlife tour guide with a local boat operator.
Volunteers will be expected to cover
the costs of their time onboard Silurian, approximately £30 per day.
How to Apply
Please send your C.V., a covering letter detailing any
relevant experience, specifying the dates you would like to join and contact
information of two referees, to:
Morven Summers
HWDT
Clydesdale
Bank Buildings,
Main Street,
Tobermory
Isle of Mull
PA75 6NU
Tel: +44 (0)1688 302620
Email: volunteercoordina...@hwdt.org
_______________________________________________
MARMAM mailing list
MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca
https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
