UNIQUE SUMMER EXPERIENCE Hebridean Whale Trail: Volunteer W H E N : 24TH J UN E T O 6 TH SEPTEMBER 2 01 9 W H E R E : ARDNAMURCHAN LIGHTHO USE COMMITMENT: FULL TIME, 5 DAYS PE R W E EK , INCLUDING WEEKENDS AND OCCASIONAL EVENI N G S .

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has been leading the way for the conservation of cetaceans in the for 25 years. As the trusted voice and primary source of information in the region, HWDT research has critically advanced the understanding of ’s whales, dolphins and porpoises whilst working directly with communities to encourage the stewardship of our rich seas.

As a volunteer at Hebridean Whale Trail: Ardnamurchan you will have the opportunity to be a part of a project which will connect communities and visitors with the amazing Hebridean marine environment. You will benefit from personalised training, and will develop your skills in public engagement and science communication. Through this placement you will gain organisation and event planning expertise, as well as experience in data collection for biological monitoring programmes.

At the most westerly point on the British mainland, Ardnamurchan has been guiding ships safely through the waters off Scotland’s west coast since 1849. The Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Trust operate a busy visitor centre and cafe, offering the chance to learn more about Scottish , and the flora and fauna of the Ardnamurchan peninsula.

You will be responsible for the delivery of the Hebridean Whale Trail: Ardnamurchan programme, working with members of the HWDT team alongside Ardnamurchan Lighthouse staff. You will inspire and inform visitors and the local community, champion participation in citizen science, and carry out fieldwork to monitor marine life.

Living and working at a lighthouse in a remote but beautiful part of Scotland makes this is a fantastic opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience, while playing an active in marine conservation.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:  Provide expert wildlife guiding and informal interpretation to visitors about Hebridean marine wildlife, environment and heritage  Carry out dedicated land-based cetacean data collection and encourage visitors to participate in whale watching and biological recording activities  Positively represent HWDT and the Hebridean Whale Trail: Ardnamurchan in person and through digital media  Provide excellent customer service in the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse stables coffee shop (1 day a week).

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:  Personalised training for all aspects of your role  Experience in public engagement and science communication  Training and experience carrying out field based data collection  Experience of independent working and project management  Vital experience for careers in marine conservation and nature tourism.

At HWDT we appreciate the time and commitment our volunteers give to us so if you have a particular area of interest we try and accommodate that, where possible, alongside the placement.

PLACEMENT DATES: WE ARE OFFERING TWO VOL UNTEER PLACEMENTS RU NNING FROM 24TH JUNE TO 6TH SEP TEMBER 2019 Earlier start dates in June are possible depending on availability

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:  Friendly, open communication style  Self-motivated and keen to learn new skills  Passionate about marine conservation  Able to live and work in a remote location as part of a small team  Full driver’s license and access to a car

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:  Knowledge of Scottish cetaceans  Knowledge of the local area  Previous customer service experience  Previous experience carrying field based data collection

ACCOMMODATION : Free accommodation will be provided at Ardnamurchan Lighthouse in shared staff accommodation. HWDT will not be able to cover additional living expenses during the placement. Any reasonable travel expenses incurred during delivery of HWDT activities will be reimbursed.

INTERESTED?

TO APPLY: Please email a current C.V. and covering letter outlining why you are applying for the opportunity to [email protected]. For more information, please contact Siobhan on the above email or on 01688 302 620.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12 NOON MONDAY 15TH A P R IL 20 1 9 . Shortlisted candidates will be invited interview via Skype on 18th or 19th April 2019.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATI ON: A similar placement ran last summer and write-ups can found as the Hebridean Whale Tales series under the Hebridean Whale Trail tag on www.hwdt.org/news

The Lighthouse is in an isolated location, 20 minutes’ drive from the nearest village of Kilchoan. Kilchoan is a friendly village with a community centre, shop and post office, hotel, and castle, as well as a regular ferry connection to Tobermory. Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is a 35 minute ferry journey from Kilchoan. Tobermory has a good range of facilities including a co-op, pharmacy, theatre, music venue, pubs, gift shops and cafes. Other amenities you may require i.e. large high street chains, supermarkets, train station etc. can be found in Fort William; a 2 hour drive away. A daily bus service connects Kilchoan with Fort William and takes around 3 hours.