Bottlenose Dolphin Research Assistant Volunteers

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre

New Quay

Wales

www.cbmwc.org

 Bottlenose dolphin research assistant volunteers

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) is recruiting volunteer visitor centre and bottlenose dolphin research assistants for the 2012 season (March to November).

The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organisation based in New Quay, westWales,UKand since 1996 has been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through research and education. Through boat-based and land-based surveys we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations, with a focus on the photo-identification of the semi-resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC). 

To learn more, please visit www.cbmwc.org

Volunteer positions are available for specific dates from 28^th March through to 6^th November 2012 to help with our ongoing research, education and awareness-raising programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and meet new people who share your interests. Learn about the species and habitats inCardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. Contribute to long running studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage and abundance research and photo-identification studies.

We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need field work (including boat) support and office space to conduct their research projects. Dedicated boat time can be made available. Please contact us to discuss whether your project ideas are feasible.

Volunteers play a vital role in the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre’s work. The centre relies on the generous help of volunteers to undertake its work and greatly appreciates your time. Please note enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since full training in species identification, data collection/entry and visitor centre operation is provided.

Position description

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
• Data entry and checking
• Updating sightings information
• Beach cleans
• Educational activities with children and the general public

Please note that 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 data entry and visitor centre work. You will be expected to work up to 8 hours a day, six days a week. Field work can involve long periods outdoors, in often inclement weather. All volunteers are expected to contribute to all CBMWC activities, tasks and field work and to attend all training sessions provided. As such, if you are only looking to gain field experience, this is not the opportunity for you.

Essential skills

• An interest in wildlife and conservation
• Positive, reliable, conscientious and mature attitude
• Ability to work as part of a small team
• Self-motivated with an ability to work unsupervised
• Adaptable and patient (particularly as boat work is weather dependent)
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in dealing with the public both face to face and over the telephone
• Fluency in English
• Willingness to ask for help if unsure and admit mistakes

Desirable skills

• Research and surveying experience
• Experience working with children, the public or in environmental interpretation or education
• IT, design, videography (own equipment necessary) and fundraising skills

 Time commitment

Volunteers are needed in blocks from March 28^th until 6^th November 2012. Priority will be given to volunteers who are able to commit to more than one block and we encourage applications from volunteers who would like to join the team for the majority of (or entire) season and would like gain additional experience in photo-ID, volunteer training and coordination.

Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are also welcome year round and are greatly appreciated.

Volunteering dates 2012

• Block A: 28^th March to 24^th April (4 weeks)
• Block B: 25^th April to 22^nd May (4 weeks)
• Block C: 23^rd May to 3^rd July (8 weeks)
• Block D: 4^th July to 11^th September (10 weeks)
• Block E: 12^th September to 6^th November (8 weeks)

Volunteer fee

An administration fee of £35 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.

How to apply

It’s easy to get involved - simply download an application form from our website http://www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/ complete it and email it to volunteer@cbmwc.org with ‘Volunteer application 2012’ in your subject line. Electronic applications are preferred but you can print and post your application form.

Please make sure you fill in your availability.

The closing date for applications is Friday 10^th February 2012

Postal address:

FAO: Laura Mears 

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre

Patent Slip Building

Glanmor Terrace

New Quay

Ceredigion

SA45 9PS

Wales

 For further information

Visit www.cbmwc.org

If you have any questions please email volunteer@cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on +44 (0)1545 560224