Empleo: ORCA!

ORCA job announcement

Ferry-based Wildlife Education Officer - working aboard the DFDS Seaways Ferry between Newcastle (UK) and Bergen (Norway).

Responsible to Project Development Officer and ORCA trustees.
Main Purpose: To actively develop, manage and communicate an educational programme to promote the importance of whales, dolphins and the marine environment to the general public. Also to raise awareness of the important research and conservation work being undertaken through the ORCA and DFDS Seaways partnership.
Contract: Five month contract beginning between 15th May and 1st June. Potential for contract extension if successful.
Fee: 4500 plus food and accommodation whilst onboard.
Number: Two positions are available.

ORCA is a UK-based charity committed to the study of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and the promotion of their conservation worldwide through enthusing, inspiring and educating others.

Responsibilities and duties
1a. Co-ordination
1.1 Work alongside ferry staff to ensure communication and promotion of whale & dolphin awareness onboard the ferry.
1.2 Manage, facilitate and present educational events on board to meet the needs of passengers (both adults and children), DFDS and ORCA.
1.3 Measure the success of any events you set up against agreed criteria.
1.4 You will be expected to be based permanently on board and will work a 2 week on 2 week off rota.
1.5 Actively design, promote and develop the ORCA educational package, seeking out opportunities to improve educational value and increase public involvement. Liaise with the other WO in order to share best experiences and refine the work accordingly. Some initial training will be given.
1.6 Provide your line manager with a monthly activities calendar and relevant statistics for your time on board.
1.7 Encourage the public to report sightings and assist the ORCA survey team as and when required.
1.8 Actively seek out news stories and press opportunities. Provide regular web updates of sightings and other news.
1.9 Act as an ambassador to champion the importance of ORCA research and encourage passengers to get involved.
2.0 Ensure that all legislation is adhered to and provide training where required to meet with ORCA and legal levels of compliance.

1b. Daily tasks

Auditorium presentation: Enlivened and fun talks about whales, dolphins and other wildlife of the North Sea, with a strong emphasis on audience participation.

Children?s story-telling: This was a fantastically popular activity during our trial last October, with both parents and children enjoying it immensely. Duration approximately one hour.

Wildlife watching (weather dependent): WO will assist the public with spotting, identifying and discussing the birds, whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals present on this route. Binoculars and field guides will be provided.

The Hands on Experience: The WO will provide a range of ?sea creatures? for passengers to touch, pick up, and discuss. Bones, whale baleen, shells and seaweeds in a clear tray filled with seawater are an instant attraction to children, who will jump at the opportunity to get their hands wet! This pioneering idea for a ferry will be the ideal mobile presentation, luring people from around the ship and out on deck.

2. Other Tasks

3.1 To support ORCA with other requests as and when required.
3.2 Respond to Passengers and DFDS questions and correspondence regarding ORCA on DFDS Ferries.

Experience and Skills Required (unless stated)

ESSENTIAL
(a) Efficient, well organised and able to tackle a large and varied workload
(b) Self motivated and enthusiastic about the marine environment
(c) Excellent communication skills and strong written skills(d) Experience in income generation / promotion
(e) Pro-active, and ready to tackle new problems
(f) Able to deal confidently with all cultures and age groups
(g) Sets clear goals, prioritises them and sees them through to completion
(h) Adaptable to change and confident in working alone and as part of a team
(i) Able to cope with long periods at sea, rough weather, etc
(j) Computer literate

DESIRABLE
(a) Speak fluent English and at least one of the following languages: Norwegian, Swedish, Danish(b) A good knowledge of cetaceans and seabirds

Further details about ORCA are available at www.orcaweb.org.uk
Deadline for submissions is 1st May 2008.

Interviews will be held during the week beginning 5th May. The post will begin on 15th May and 1st June respectively. Please note that acknowledgement of receipt of applications will begin on 21st April. Please send ORCA, in electronic format, your CV with a covering letter describing why you think you would be the ideal candidate for this post to:

Dylan Walker
Project Development Officer
ORCA
17 Embassy Court
Kings Road
Brighton
BN1 2PX
United Kingdom
Email: dylan@orcaweb.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1273 739284