WDC Scottish Conservation Officer
Report to:
Location:
WDC Centre Manager
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
Relevant biological / education degree
Experience of basic scientific protocols
Confident, approachable personality
Self starter, able to work on own initiative
Excellent written and verbal communication
Good organisational/time management skills
Car driver and owner
Experience of marine environmental education/interpretation
Understanding of marine conservation and relevant legislation
Understanding of marine field research
Fundraising experience
Good working knowledge of public & voluntary sectors
Good knowledge of natural history
Essential
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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.