Volunteering Posts and TV oppertunity

The Natural History Unit of the BBC are going to film a children’s wildlife/adventure show called ‘Wild’ on Skomer on the 29th of August. They are looking for a 11-13 year old, passionate birding enthusiast from around the West or South West of Wales who is confident to be on camera?

The idea is that the young bird watcher will take 3 of his/her friends to Skomer to experience the Manx Shearwaters, to show that being outdoors is the best way to spend weekends! It should be a wonderful experience for them.

'Wild' travels the UK celebrating its wildlife, landscapes and adventure activities/sport in order to inspire kids to get out in the British outdoors. If you or your child is interested in starring in this please email us: skomer.warden@welshwildlife.org
We are also looking for volunteers who would like to spend a minimum of one week on Skomer Island in the period between 28/03/15 and 03/10/15 to help with the day-to day management of the reserve.

Tasks
To welcome overnight and day visitors to Skomer Island
Assist with loading and unloading of overnight visitors’ luggage from the boat
To help visitors off boats
To sell merchandise and hire out binoculars
To answer wildlife queries and generally assist visitors during their stay
To help maintain, clean and manage the visitor accommodation and facilities
To conduct reptile, cetacean and bird surveys
Island patrol and general wardening duties
General island maintenance tasks (path clearance, building maintenance etc.)
Assist the warden/assistant warden/visitor officer in other tasks if necessary 

The main benefit for the applicant will be the experience of island living and working on a high profile conservation site. The applicant will gain knowledge and experience in people engagement, ecological monitoring techniques, practical wardening skills and reserve management.

Accommodation
Shared accommodation will be provided on the island, as will boat travel to the island. Successful applicants will be required to bring their own bed sheets. Duvet and pillows will be provided. Protective clothing will be supplied where required. 

Food
Successful applicants will be expected to provide their own food.


The successful applicant should have the following experience/skills/attitude

Essential
Love and enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation
Hardy nature, happy to work in all weathers and in remote locations
Physically fit
High level of motivation, happy to work independently and within a team
Flexible attitude 

Desirable
Experience in people management, public speaking
Experience in reserve management / DIY
Experience in wildlife monitoring and surveying 

There will be a nominal fee of £35 per person per week which will be payable on being offered a place. This is to help with the administration of the scheme and the upkeep of accommodation and infrastructure. A number of free places will be funded through the Skalmey Bursary for students, unemployed and people on low incomes.

How to apply
Please fill in the application form. No cover letters or CVs should be included as part of your application.

Application forms and more info can be found here

Completed application forms should be sent via email to: islands@welshwildlife.org by 5 October 2014.

The successful applicant will hear from us within the following two weeks.

For further information call Bee and Ed (Skomer Wardens) on 07971 114302 or skomer.warden@welshwildlife.org