Volunteer

Volunteering at CBMWC

We rely on the generous help of volunteers to help us carry out our work. We welcome people from all ages and backgrounds, as enthusiasm and interest in our work is as valued as experience, since full training is provided. Without the continued hard work and support from dedicated volunteers, our work would not be possible.

What’s involved?

We need volunteers 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 in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. Contribute to long running research studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage and abundance, photo-identification studies and act as a research assistant for a PhD project being undertaken by CBMWC’s associate researcher Sarah Perry.

Becoming a volunteer

Local volunteers: Do you live locally to New Quay? Would you like to get involved in our research, education and awareness-raising programmes? Or do you have any specific skills like website creation, fundraising, the media, DIY skills, accountancy, exhibition, interior or graphic design and would like to help with project development? Whatever your age, experience or background we would like to hear from you if you can spare just a few hours a week to help us with our work. Download a local volunteer application form or contact Laura Mears on volunteer@cbmwc.org or phone 01545 560 224

Seasonal volunteers: Each year we recruit seasonal volunteers (Easter to November) for fixed periods, to assist with all aspects of our work. Responsibilities/duties will include (but are not limited to):

  • Visitor centre operation, including dealing with enquiries, taking boat bookings and processing gift shop sales
  • Land-based surveys from New Quay harbour in conjunction with Ceredigion County Council
  • Boat-based surveys aboard MV Sulaire
  • 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 doing 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
  • Willing 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 are useful but not essential

Additionally, if you have any specific skills or experience such as website creation, media skills, DIY skills, accountancy, exhibition, interior or graphic design and would like to help with project development, please contact us.

Seasonal volunteering dates 2012

Volunteers are needed in blocks from March 28th until 6th 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.

 Volunteering dates 2012

  • Block A: 28th March to 24th April (4 weeks)
  • Block B: 25th April to 22nd May (4 weeks)
  • Block C: 23rd May to 3rd July (8 weeks)
  • Block D: 4th July to 11th September (10 weeks)
  • Block E: 12th September to 6th 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 necessary) at a cost of £55 per week, including fuel bills. Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs.

How to apply:

Download and complete an application form and email it to volunteer@cbmwc.org with “Volunteer application 2012″ in the subject line. Electronic applications are preferred but you can print and post your application to Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Patent Slip Building, Glanmor Terrace, New Quay, Ceredigion SA45 9PS

The closing date for applications is Friday 10th February 2012

Further information:

If you would like more information about volunteering contact Laura Mears on volunteer@cbmwc.org or call 01545 560 224