2 x Guide and Conservation Volunteers - Residential WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay

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1 2 x Guide and Conservation Volunteers - Residential WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay Get the experience and get ahead in conservation with a volunteer programme that works! Are you passionate about the environment and inspiring others to care? Or keen to get the experience needed to work in conservation and a research programme? At Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC previously WDCS) our vision is for a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free. We are looking for two dedicated residential guide and conservation volunteers to join our team at the Scottish Dolphin Centre, in Northern Scotland, to help deliver WDC s objectives. The Visitor Centre and volunteer accommodation are based in a beautiful location adjacent to a reserve at the mouth of the River Spey. The largest bottlenose dolphins in the world can be seen feeding regularly along with ospreys, seals, the occasional otter and a huge variety of other wildlife. Your time will be divided between engaging with/guiding visitors at the Scottish Dolphin Centre and working closely with the Scottish conservation officer delivering the Shorewatch Programme, a volunteer community whale, dolphin and porpoise monitoring project. The role will give you essential experience in: Delivering environmental interpretation - inspiring people to take an interest and care for the environment through land-based dolphin watching, presentations, talks and walks. Visitor engagement - raising the profile of WDC to visitors and informing them on local wildlife. Guiding visitors (Scottish Wildlife Trust nature reserve and historic building) and customer service (in the Centre shop) Supporting the implementation of a conservation and research programme through: Events organisation - Creating educational/promotional materials (posters, displays, flyers) and manning the stand at events to increase awareness of WDC in Scotland. Community outreach Assisting with the development, organisation and delivery of training courses, site visits and community talks. Developing resources Activities and training materials Research - (In the form of 10 minute land-based dolphin watches) We also provide: Free onsite accommodation in an area of outstanding natural beauty 30 weekly food budget per person (volunteers find this more than enough to cover their needs) Training and support Mileage expenses Check us out online:

2 Volunteers play a vital role in the work we do at the WDC, you will be expected to cover all areas of work and in return you will receive experience in many different aspects of conservation work. The majority of this role involves community outreach, interpretation and engaging with visitors, if you are looking for field experience this is not the opportunity for you. Opportunities run: - Monday 23 rd February Sunday 1 st November Volunteering 5 days a week, including weekends. - Must be committed for 8 months in order to gain the full range of experience and to make a worthwhile contribution to our work. To apply: (Please note that we are unable to accept CVs as an application) As we are advertising for more than one volunteer position, should you wish to apply for two or more positions please rank the roles in order of your preference. Application packs can be downloaded at Further details about the Centre can be found at Details of the Shorewatch programme can be found at Please return applications to: volunteers.scotland@whales.org Contact Kate Hannigan for more details: Closing date: 5pm Monday 12 th January 2015 Interviews: will be held, preferably via Skype or alternatively by telephone w/c 19 th January 2015.

3 Volunteer Role Description 2 x Guide and Conservation Volunteers - Residential WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay This post requires an excellent command of the English language (both written and spoken) and the ability to work individually and as part of a team. Aim: Deliver a fun and high quality visitor experience through interpretation and events at the Scottish Dolphin Centre to help raise awareness of the work of Whale and Dolphin Conservation To support the Conservation Officer in promoting and developing the Shorewatch whale, dolphin and porpoise monitoring programme. To support the conservation officer in developing volunteer opportunities and support for Shorewatch Volunteers. Therefore we are seeking an individual with an interest in community engagement, outreach and volunteer coordination. Volunteer Role Includes: Providing interpretation/guiding/land based dolphin watching for visitors at the Scottish Dolphin Centre, including daily guided walks and tours of the historic building, and customer service in the shop (Approx 3 of 5 days per week) Assist in the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre Shop including, welcoming visitors, customer service, and stocking shelves. Assisting the Conservation Officer with the development of the WDC Shorewatch Programme (Approx 2 of 5 days per week) Carrying out shore-based dolphin, whale and porpoise observations from various locations around Scotland, visiting partner organisations and cultivating relationships at these sites Supporting recruitment and training of Shorewatch volunteers Managing data collection and input from shore-based sites. Maintaining Social media as a tool to engage Shorewatch Volunteers Support the organisation and delivery of community events to promote WDC in Scotland. Assisting with the administration of the WDC Shorewatch programme Developing interpretative resources and activities to use in the Centre exhibition, at off-site events, and when training Shorewatch volunteers. Carrying out maintenance work around the centre, including gardening and painting, as well as other duties as and when required. Assisting with the development, organisation and delivery of community talks. To assist with other WDC work as needed. Essential Skills, Experience and Qualities: Excellent communication skills, and the ability to effectively convey messages to a wide range of audiences Ability to confidently deliver talks and presentations to adult and child groups Experience of working with children/volunteers Flexibility in the workplace

4 Good computer literacy, including the ability to use spreadsheets, word processing, and internet Able to work independently and prioritise own workloads Good problem solver with a can do attitude Highly motivated and keen to learn Full driver s licence and car (Mileage expenses will be covered) Desirable Skills, Experiences and Qualities Knowledge and support of WDC and its objectives Good knowledge of cetaceans, Scottish Wildlife and plants Knowledge of computer design software (preferably InDesign) Knowledge of data basing software Experience of supervising groups and individuals Experience of developing educational resources Experience of working with/training volunteers

5 Skills you will gain 2 x Guide and Conservation Volunteers - Residential This role offers the following skills, experience and qualifications: You will gain qualifications in: Child Protection basic Awareness Level 1 qualification 1 day Emergency First Aid qualification BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic Qualification (we will give you time off to complete this training but you will need to pay or fundraise for the cost of the course) You will be trained (amongst other things) in: Interpretive guiding Wildlife identification Research Shorewatch Education talks You will gain experience in: Delivering interpretive talks and tours to a wide ranging audience Responsibility of day to day running of shop and cash handling Organising, running and publicising events for both adults and children Project management of events and projects Delivering a community conservation programme Shore-based dolphin monitoring Designing resources and leading activities for school groups Volunteer supervision/training Managing data collection and input of research data Assisting in delivering educational activities to visiting school groups Monitoring Health and Safety You will gain skills in: Effective communication Public speaking Strong Interpersonal skills Presentation skills An increased knowledge and awareness of cetaceans, Scottish wildlife and conservation issues Conservation Education Project management Team work Independent work Leadership Flexible working Problem solving Taking initiative Prioritising and organising work Wildlife identification