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. Volunteering at CBMWC is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and meet new people who share your interests. You will learn about the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. The data you collect will contribute to long running research studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage, abundance, photo-identification and acoustic studies.
Student projects
We also welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need field work (including boat) support and office space to conduct their research projects. Dedicated boat time can be made available. Please note that we do not have a list of specific project ideas but if you have a project idea in mind, please contact CBMWC’s science officer Sarah Perry on sarah@cbmwc.org to discuss whether your ideas are feasible.
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
- Educational activities with children and the general public
- Data entry and checking
- Updating sightings information
- Beach cleans
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
- Strong work ethic 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
- Interest and/or experience of working with children in environmental education
- Research and surveying experience
- IT, photography/videography (own equipment necessary), design 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 2013 – limited places are still available for blocks A and B. Application deadline 1st March 2013.
Volunteers are needed from 20th March until 5th November 2013 for five separate blocks ranging from four to nine weeks. Volunteers must be able to commit to an entire block and priority will be given to volunteers who are able to commit to more than one block. Applications are encouraged 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. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are also welcome year round and are greatly appreciated.
Volunteering dates 2013
- Block A: 20th March to 16th April (4 weeks) – full
- Block B: 17th April to 14th May (4 weeks) – full
- Block C: 15th May to 9th July (8 weeks) - full
- Block D: 10th July to 10th September (9 weeks) – full
- Block E: 11th September to 5th November (8 weeks) – places available
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 2013″ 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 for blocks A and B is 5pm on Friday 1st March 2013
Further information:
If you would like more information about volunteering contact Laura Mears on volunteer@cbmwc.org or call 01545 560 224
