Job Profile

What does your job involve and what might a typical day involve?

The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is an NGO dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans (whales, dolphins & porpoises) through research and education. I’m the Marine Biodiversity Officer at the Trust. I’m a member of our science team, with the specific role of running the science programme on our research yacht Silurian, a dedicated survey vessel. I train and look after the volunteers who come and work with us on our surveys, which usually last 10 days, and ensure our data are collected correctly. A typical day involves getting up pretty early, then spending the day at sea doing visual and acoustic surveys. Our surveys cover much of the coastal areas of the Inner and Outer Hebrides on the west coast of Scotland. We survey along transect lines and cover about 60 nautical miles each day.

Volunteers work as visual observers, entering data, monitoring our acoustic software, and playing a full part in the running of a working boat – including cooking and cleaning. We anchor somewhere remote but safe in the evenings, and often go ashore to explore isolated islands

As we only survey over the summer months, in the winter I am free to analyse and write up our data, so they can be presented to a wider audience

What qualifications and experience did you have before starting the job?

I studied at Bangor University and have a Master’s in Marine Mammal Science. My main interest is in harbour porpoise acoustics. I’ve also had several years experience working on offshore visual and acoustic cetacean surveys around the British Isles and beyond. I am the environmental officer for the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) and also write for popular science publications.

What are the best and worst bits of your job?

I get to spend my time at sea, on a beautiful vessel seeing fantastic animals and places on the west coast of Scotland, doing much-needed research. I meet some really great people who volunteer on the boat, many of whom stay in touch afterwards. There are no bad bits, although it’s better when it’s warm and sunny than cold and wet.

What satisfaction do you get from your work and how does it make a difference?

I get scientific satisfaction, as without our research, much of the Hebrides would receive little or no cetacean survey coverage, and the distribution, abundance and diversity of species in our waters would remain unknown, so our work is unique. The data we collect can inform future marine management and conservation decisions. I also very much enjoy training our volunteers and seeing how much they get out of working with us. Coming on a trip with us often makes a huge difference to their lives and careers, and that’s a great feeling.

Do you have any tips for someone looking for a career in this area?

It’s a difficult field to work in as it’s so popular and there are very few jobs. It’s the usual story – qualifications are important, but also get as much experience as you can. Volunteering is always a great start. Be really keen and get involved – everyone likes a cheerful, helpful person onboard a boat.

More about the HWDT