WDC Scottish Conservation Officer
Report to: WDC Centre Manager
Location: Based at the Scottish Dolphin Centre in Spey Bay, supporting work at sites around Scotland and working with WDC teams in Edinburgh and Chippenham
Job status: Permanent
BACKGROUND
WDC seek to raise awareness and increase the protection of cetaceans in Scottish waters including securing a safe future for the bottlenose dolphin population of the Moray Firth throughout their range. We believe that community participation and stewardship is vital to the long term management of our native marine species and habitats. The Scottish Conservation Officer will fulfil the role of promoting and encouraging active volunteer participation in science by undertaking management of the shore-based cetacean watching through the Shorewatch Programme and other applicable outreach / education opportunities. The role will provide input to, and will be mindful of, the Scottish Dolphin Centre Interpretation Plan.
The objectives of the Conservation Officer are also complementary to the wider vision of WDC Scotland and WDC international. The Conservation officer will work in partnership with the WDC Head of Scottish Policy, Scottish Dolphin Centre staff and other local partner groups to deliver long-term sustainable shore-based watching and community stewardship for cetaceans around the Scottish coastline. The objectives for the Conservation Officer are:
· to standardise and support Shorewatch and casual shore-based cetacean watching around the Scottish coastline;
· to develop and promote the appropriate shore-based watching sites and trails; and to cultivate partnerships with the relevant organisations at these sites;
· to recruit and train shore-based volunteers in the appropriate watching protocols; and to manage seasonal residential volunteers toward research activities;
· to ensure the appropriate collection of scientific data from the shore-based watching; and to provide appropriate feedback to inform the future conservation of the dolphin population throughout their range;
· to manage, engage and enthuse volunteers and tourists to actively participate in conservation of the cetacean populations, e.g. through overseeing the development of interpretive materials to enhance understanding, through providing of appropriate training opportunities and support, and through ensuring feedback on a regular basis;
· to encourage community participation in WDC conservation aims through supporting and promoting education activities, outreach and events as applicable;
· more generally, to further the aims of WDC outreach in raising awareness and increasing the protection of cetaceans in Scottish waters.
KEY AIMS OF THE POST
A key aim of the Conservation Officer role will be management of the Shorewatch Programme and promotion of conservation initiatives around Scotland. Working independently, with support of the line manager, the role will develop and deliver an integrated program of shore-based watching and outreach. Through the recruitment, training and support of partner groups, residents and tourists along the Moray Firth coast, this program will encourage active public involvement in watching for cetaceans in a scientific and standardised way. Through appropriate integrated interpretation training and relevant materials, volunteers will be empowered to engage with members of the public at shore watch sites and through their daily life to encourage awareness and stewardship of the marine environment in others.
A further key aim of the Conservation Officer will be management of sightings data collection and analysis, wider research co-ordination (acoustic, photo-ID, and other), as well as interpretation and promotion of research activities and the integrated WDCS campaign to the public within Scotland.
The role is a combined outreach and scientific role. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate strengths in public engagement, person skills and volunteer management.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Desirable
Relevant biological / education degree x
Experience of basic scientific protocols x
Confident, approachable personality x
Self starter, able to work on own initiative x
Excellent written and verbal communication x
Good organisational/time management skills x
Car driver and owner x
Experience of marine environmental education/interpretation x
Understanding of marine conservation and relevant legislation x
Understanding of marine field research x
Fundraising experience x
Good working knowledge of public & voluntary sectors x
Good knowledge of natural history x
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Conservation Officer will report to the WDC Centre Manager and to SNH. This is a full time post. The salary is from £19,203 pa.