“Helping Victorians Care For Our Marine Treasures”
PO Box 77, Hastings, VIC, 3915
ABN 73097317112
mail@dolphinresearch.org.au
www.dolphinresearch.org.au
Tel: 1300 130 949
Fax: 03 59797150
Volunteering with the Dolphin Research Institute
Volunteers are crucial to the Dolphin Research Institute (DRI) as they contribute a great deal to our research,
education, fundraising and administration work.
Our volunteers gain a great deal of satisfaction from being part of DRI’s achievements and from the
experiences and skills they develop.
DRI is a not-for-profit marine conservation organisation dedicated to helping Victorians care for our
marine treasures, especially our marine mammals. For two decades we have achieved this through;
scientific research that focuses on our dolphins, marine education that encompasses the broad marine
environment and the issues it faces, and influencing through community engagement and involvement
in policy and issues.
DRI maintains an ethical, impartial and strategic approach to all aspects of our operation. We value
our staff and volunteers and promote a safe and respectful workplace. We value fact over opinion and
take a balanced, considered and independent approach to issues. We believe in influencing through
science and constructive involvement.
General Expectations
DRI is seeking volunteers who:
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Have good communication skills
Pay attention to detail
Are reliable and versatile
Show initiative
DRI agrees to support volunteers and will:
 Provide appropriate orientation and training
 Provide technical advice, guidance and
assistance
 Provide necessary safety equipment for
volunteer tasks
 Establish a clear plan which outlines volunteer
activities and tasks
 Cover volunteers for insurance in case of injury
Volunteers’ responsibilities include:
 Being reliable and methodical
 Respecting privacy and confidentiality
 Carrying out the volunteering job as
specified in the job description
 Being accountable for their own actions
 Under-taking orientation and training as
requested
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Are positive, motivated ‘team players’
Can work with minimal supervision
Will work responsibly and ethically
Will represent DRI in a positive manner
Provide information on organisational changes
or new policy decisions relevant to volunteers
Provide an avenue where volunteers can raise
questions, concerns and/ or complaints
Encourage and recognise volunteer efforts and
achievements
Provide feedback on volunteering efforts and
achievements
Asking for support or assistance when
needed
Giving notice if unable to continue to
volunteer
Valuing and supporting other members of
the team
Carrying out the work they’ve agreed to
do responsibly and ethically
Details:
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________ Phone number: __________________
The Dolphin Research Institute would appreciate assistance in the following areas. Please indicate where you would be
interested in volunteering.
Administration
Fundraising
Education
Research
(Training
provided)
Tasks
Specific Expectations
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Respect confidentiality and privacy
Methodical, attention to detail
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Own transport
Confident when dealing with the public
Own transport
Confident when dealing with the public
Reasonable level of fitness to work in the
field
Ability to carry equipment
Stand for extend periods
Ability to focus and work on a task for an
extended period
Own transport
Flexibility due to weather conditions
On-going, regular commitment
Newsletter folding / mail outs
Archiving / filing
General office duties
Assisting in fundraising events
Placing and servicing of collection tins
Assisting with fundraising events
Assisting with summer education
programs / DRI events
Office based
 Data entry
 Matching of dolphin fins
Land-based surveys
 Tracking dolphins from a lookout
 Data entry of observations
 Setting and packing up equipment
Vessel-based surveys (limited opportunity preference given to experienced volunteers)
 Spotting dolphins
 Vessel launch and retrieval
 Cleaning and maintenance
Availability:
Day/s available
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Yes, I am
interested
Frequency (e.g. weekly, monthly)
Please tell us of any relevant skills or experience:
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Thank you for completing this application. Please return the application form to:
Mail: PO BOX 77, Hastings, 3915
Fax:
03 5979 7150
Email: admin@dolphinresearch.org.au
One of the DRI team will contact you shortly.