Applications for 2024 are now closed, applications for 2025 will open at the end of November 2024. Find out more about our Wellbeing for our Seas/Er Llesiant ein Môr project, an exciting new citizen science initiative to engage local communities and visitors in observing and recording marine mammals and birds on Anglesey. Further information on our internships can be found below.
Research Interns
This position will suit volunteers who have a strong interest in marine conservation, are comfortable in a rural location and recognise the importance of raising awareness of the marine environment by involving the public from all age groups. This position can be very varied, so applicants will need to demonstrate their ability to deal with varied tasks from public outreach to boat based survey and scientific data collection. They will be encouraged to take initiatives with education & outreach activities in the region which due to its natural beauty receives large numbers of visitors during the summer.
The interns will be responsible for the following duties:
- Raising Sea Watch Foundation’s profile locally (organising events, talking to the public, liaising with local stakeholders)
- Carrying out surveys of marine mammals and seabirds in the area of SW Anglesey and Caernarfon Bay, undertaking watches from land and participating in boat-based surveys
- Engaging with local communities, encouraging and training citizen scientists to collect data on marine mammals and seabirds
- Promoting and organising the National Whale and Dolphin Watch education and outreach activities
- Participating in presentations and creating activities to take to local schools/groups, as well as using our specialised talks at local events
- Assisting in the creation of educational/promotional materials (posters, displays, flyers)
- Participating in training courses in Anglesey and Gwynedd
- Representing the Sea Watch Foundation at public events around Anglesey and Gwynedd
- Training and supervision will be provided by the project staff for the duration of the interns stay.
The field season runs from April to November and for Research Interns it has been split into periods of 5 and a half weeks. The interns will be based on the Bodorgan Estate, Anglesey. Accommodation will be provided rent free in a house shared with the other interns and the Intern Coordinator. The interns are responsible for their own travel and living costs including utility bills (£40 per week).
Important skills/qualifications
Essential:
- a strong interest in marine conservation and education
- outgoing personality, confidence
- excellent verbal and writing skills
- ability to work and live cooperatively with other volunteers in an isolated location
- must have initiative, motivation, the ability to bring their own ideas and personality to the position and be able to think on your feet
- strong commitment to volunteering work
- work independently, in an organised and reliable manner and to manage a variable workload.
- the ability to get on well with others in a small team and within shared accommodation
- should always represent SWF professionally
Desirable:
- a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar
- a strong interest and some knowledge of British marine mammals and birds
- good IT skills (Office package)
- willingness to work long hours, sometimes outdoors in very changeable Welsh weather
- one’s own transport (travel costs within the project will be covered)
- Welsh language
International applications are welcome but it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure visa requirements are met and we ask applicants to highlight their chosen visa option in their application. Please note that Sea Watch Foundation is unable to sponsor visa applications for Research Interns.
To apply:
The application window for 2025 will open at the end of November 2024
For more information contact: Jenny Bond (Project Manager) jenny.bond@seawatchfoundation.org.uk
