jueves, 19 de noviembre de 2009

Volunteering: Sea Watch Foundation in Wales!!

Sea Watch Foundation Voluntary Education and Awareness Assistant opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2010

The Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) is seeking an education and awareness assistant to take part in the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project in New Quay, West Wales which manages the conservation of a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, the largest in the UK.

Monitoring of harbour porpoise and grey seal populations is also part of the project. This position will suit a volunteer that has a strong interest in marine conservation and recognises the importance of educating and raising awareness by involving the public.

The assistant will be responsible in aiding the Sightings Officer with the following duties:

- Participate in presentations and create activities to take to local schools
- Write news reports and articles
- Assist in the organisation and participation of annual event, National Whale and Dolphin Watch
- Come up with new educational initiatives
- Talk to the public about the marine environment and conservation of cetaceans
- Assist in the organisation of training courses

The assistant will also have the opportunity to be involved in the research, helping the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer, and will be expected to take part in the following tasks:

- Land-based surveys
- Boat-based surveys
- Photo-identification studies
- Database entry
- Acoustic monitoring
- Behavioural studies

The field season will begin in April until October 2010, which has been split into four separate periods of six weeks each. One assistant is required for each period however preference will be given to those who can stay for more than one period, including the whole six month field season. The assistant will be based in New Quay, West Wales.

Accommodation is provided at a rate of approximately ?55/week in a house sharing with marine research volunteers. The assistant is responsible for their own travel and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required.

Volunteering periods for summer 2010:

Period 1
26/04 - 6/06,

Period 2
7/06 - 18/07,

Period 3
19/07 - 29/08,

Period 4
30/08 - 10/10

Important skills/qualifications

Essential:

- A strong interest in marine conservation and education
- Confidence to interact with the public
- Good verbal and writing skills
- Must have initiative and bring their own ideas and personality to the position
- Strong commitment to volunteering work
- An ability to work in an organised and reliable manner
- An ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation

Desirable:

- A background in marine biology/environmental science or similar
- A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans
- Good IT skills (Office package)
- Prior experience in public speaking
- Prior experience in boat-based survey work
- Willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather

Assistants also have the opportunity to learn about other research aspects such as cetacean observation and identification, line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals.

To apply:

Please send your CV, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for to Gemma Veneruso (gemma.veneruso@seawatchfoundation.org.uk)

Deadline:
31st of January 2010.

Please
specify EDUCATION ASSISTANT APPLICATION into your subject title.

Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 22nd of February 2009.

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