Description

The role will be supporting the LIFE Raft project on beautiful Rathlin Island, just off the coast of County Antrim. The project is working to protect NI’s most important seabird colony from invasive non-native rats and ferrets which are threatening the future of Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and other seabirds.

This role will suit someone who enjoys being outdoors (a keen interest in wildlife ecology is highly desirable). It offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your volunteering skills, with the knowledge that the data collected will feed directly into efforts to protect Rathlin’s seabirds.

As a volunteer Conservation Officer you will assist our camera trapping and monitoring teams with tasks across the island.

These tasks include the setting up and maintenance of an island-wide grid of trail cameras that help us to detect ferrets and rats. Other duties include assisting with preparations for the rat eradication work and data input, and there may also be a chance to assist our scientists in monitoring breeding seabirds by mapping their colonies and gathering data on breeding success and abundance.

Training will be provided on all aspects of these tasks. You will gain experience in all aspects work that make up an eradication project, and by working alongside trappers and experienced conservationists you will have the opportunity to learn new skills in different areas.

Rathlin is a large and rugged island with challenging terrain and steep hills so a level of general fitness is required for fieldwork duties. Some volunteering opportunities might involve evening work.