Volunteering opportunities with the Scottish Wildlife Trust

Protecting Scotland’s wildlife for the future

Volunteer Role / Title
Species Protection Volunteer
Location
Loch of the Lowes reserve, Dunkeld, Perthshire
How many volunteers are needed?
3
How many hours per day/per week are you needed?
Mid March to early May – rotational shift rota to provide a 24 hour protection. This could involve unsociable hours shifts and could include weekends.
On which days are you needed?
You will be needed for 5 out of 7 days per week.
On which date do we want you to start?
Much will depend on when the birds return to the nest but mid March is the normal time.
End Date (if applicable)
Early to mid May depending on the timing of the breeding season.
Minimum commitment we require from you.
5 days per week. We aim to keep hours below 35 per week.
Objectives of your role
Osprey Species Protection – providing 24hr protection for your breeding ospreys, to guard against human disturbance, and to record behaviour etc, as part of a small dedicated team.
Tasks
·  Working on a rota system you will be responsible for carrying out surveillance of osprey nest and surrounding area and monitoring the whole site.
·  To engage with public in hides and liaison with daily volunteers, particularly during dayshifts
·  To assist the ranger with a variety of practical tasks around the reserve when not on osprey watch shifts.
Description of the skills/qualifications/fitness required
·  able to work unsociable hours including nightshifts
·  able to work at night in hides etc
·  ability to work as part of a group
·  ability to communicate with the public
·  reasonable standard of fitness
·  reliability and attention to detail
Support/training
·  Osprey species ecology training
·  FREE accommodation in wooden cabin by loch side in Highland Perthshire
·  gain experience in visitor engagement
·  gain experience in species protection
·  All optics, PPE etc provided
Who is the contact person/line manager for enquiries?
Rab Potter – Reserves Manager North East
Closing date for applications
Monday 16th February

When will interviews be held?

Interviews will be held at Loch of the Lowes week commencing 23rd February and can include overnight stay to allow candidates to see accommodation and facilities 1st hand.
Each appointment is subject to a fortnight’s trial/probation period, after which the Ranger or volunteer may choose to end the placement.

Can SWT provide expenses e.g. for travel, special clothing?

Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed for use of own vehicle on SWT business.
SWT branded clothing will be provided.

Will volunteers require their own transport?

This would be an advantage.
For those without transport some assistance to visit local shops will be made available.

Will volunteers need to provide references or require a police check?

Reference checks will be carried out by SWT.
Subject to a Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme check.

Is there disabled access?

There is limited access for wheelchairs.

Other

Please note, it is preferable that volunteers are available for the whole Osprey Watch period (mid March to early May).
Owing to the nature of the role, we can only consider those aged 18 or above.
Application forms should be emailed to Rab Potter.