IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) is recruiting a volunteer to run our land-based bottlenose dolphin photo-ID project for the 2014 season (April to November). This role is responsible for conducting opportunistic land-based photo-ID of bottlenose dolphins from New Quay harbour and then sorting, matching and cataloguing the images. At the end of the project you will be expected to produce a detailed report.
The successful applicant will receive full training in the form of a three day professional photography course being hosted by CBMWC. The course is run in association with Aberystwyth University’s School of Life Long Learning and is tailored to meet the requirements for this project. Please note that your costs of participating in the course will be covered.
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 wider Irish Sea. We operate a busy visitor centre and also run an education and activity room which offers marine educational activities for families with young children.
Role description:
• Be responsible for photographing the bottlenose dolphins (and other marine mammals) in the New Quay harbour survey area
• Be responsible for sorting, matching and cataloguing bottlenose dolphin photographs
• Supervise CBMWC volunteers taking part in the land-based photo-ID project, disseminating information gained during the photography training
• Assist with sorting, matching and cataloguing additional photographs of bottlenose dolphins
• Assist in training volunteers in the analysis of photo-ID images
• Maintain up to date procedures for all aspects of the photo-ID work
• Assist with compiling the CBMWC bottlenose dolphin photo-ID catalogue
• Provide regular project updates to CBMWC Science officer
• You may also be requested to help with other aspects of our work, such as research data collection and entry and staffing the visitor centre.
Essential skills and qualifications:
• Fluency in English
• Mature and responsible attitude as you will be using expensive camera and computer equipment
• Proactive and ability to work independently and unsupervised
• Ability to work closely with others as part of a small team
• IT skills
• An interest in wildlife and conservation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Desirable skills:
• Experience with digital SLR cameras and wildlife photography
• Experience using ArcGIS
• An interest and knowledge of British cetaceans
• A background in biology/marine biology/environmental science
Commitment:
The successful applicant must be available to start on 7th April and commit for the entire field season until 3rd November. Flexibility in working hours is essential as the photography work will need to be undertaken opportunistically when the dolphins are in the New Quay harbour area so you must be prepared to work outside of normal working hours.
Accommodation and expenses:
Accommodation can be arrange in private house in New Quay for £60/week, including bills and wifi. You will be responsible for all accommodation, travel and other expenses incurred however it is relatively easy to find a part-time evening job.
To apply:
Please email a CV and covering letter outlining your experience and motivations for applying to volunteer@cbmwc.org by 17th March. Interviews will take place on 24th March at CBMWC.
Contact:
For further information and any queries, please contact
Laura Mears, Project Officer
Email: volunteer@cbmwc.org
Tel: 01545 560224
Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre
Patent Slip Building
Glanmor Terrace
New Quay
Ceredigion
SA45 9PS
www.cbmwc.org
