We’re looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Living Seas team for the 2021 field season. Volunteers will gain valuable experience whilst helping us to collect data on the marine mammals of Cardigan Bay, run our visitor centre and inspire the public through community engagement events.

What You Will Gain

Joining the Living Seas volunteer team is a fantastic opportunity for you to carry out marine mammal research and become involved in environmental education and our awareness raising work. You’ll learn about the marine species of Cardigan Bay and gain experience in field work, processing data, environmental education, community engagement and more!

Past volunteers have gone on to further education, work as Marine Mammal Observers and to work for other conservation or governmental organisations.

The Volunteering Role

Volunteers will assist with our vital Living Seas research and community engagement work. Please note volunteer tasks may vary due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Volunteer tasks include (but not limited too) –

• Land based marine mammal surveys (daily)

• Running our visitor centre and inspiring visitors (daily)

• Entering and checking research data

• Updating sightings information on our website/social media

• Assisting with community engagement events

• There may also be the opportunity to assist with other tasks e.g. beach cleans, fundraising, writing articles and creating Vlogs.

Volunteers may also conduct boat based marine mammal surveys however, this depends on social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 restrictions.

Volunteer Skills/Qualities

• A commitment to volunteering

• Research and surveying experience

• ICT skills, including MS Office and GIS

• Interest/experience of engaging with the public

• A mature and responsible attitude

• Proactive with the ability to work independently and unsupervised

• Flexible approach to work as you will volunteer outside of normal office hours

• An interest and knowledge of British marine mammals (desirable)

• A background in biology/marine biology (desirable)

Please note that enthusiasm and passion for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since full training is provided.

Volunteers will receive training in marine species identification and observation, survey techniques, data processing and community engagement. 

Volunteer Dates 2021

Volunteer positions are available on the dates below. You must be able to volunteer for an entire block and priority will be given to those who can volunteer for more than one block.

• Block 1 – 15th March – 12th July 2021 (17 weeks)

• Block B – 12th July – 1st November 2021 (16 weeks)

Volunteering and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing pandemic we are unable to guarantee that volunteer placements will go ahead in 2021. However, should placements go ahead all volunteer tasks will be fully risk assessed and safety measures will be in place. Volunteers must adhere to local coronavirus restrictions during their placement.

How to Apply

For more information on the role and details on how to apply visit - https://www.welshwildlife.org/...

Deadline for applications is 23:59pm at Sunday 7th February 2021.