Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Outreach Assistant

Unique Summer volunteer experience:

Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust Outreach Assistant

Start: Monday 4th May 2026
Length: 21 weeks
Time Commitment: 28 hours a week
Where: Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Includes: 7-day expedition on board our research vessel worth ~£1,620 (successful candidates are also invited to join an additional 5-day pre-placement expedition in March)

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has been leading the way for the conservation of cetaceans in the Hebrides for over 30 years. As the trusted voice and primary source of information in the region, HWDT research has critically advanced the understanding of Scotland’s whales, dolphins and porpoises whilst working directly with communities to encourage the stewardship of our rich seas.

As a volunteer at the Hebridean Whale Centre in Tobermory you will play a vital role in the conservation and engagement activities of HWDT. You will benefit from personalised training, and will develop your skills in public engagement, science communication and fieldwork. Through this placement you will gain wildlife guiding experience, build your skills in event coordination and delivery, and carry out data collection for HWDT’s biological monitoring programmes, Whale Track and our acclaimed Marine Mammal Monitoring programme on board our research vessel Silurian. You will positively represent HWDT in person, and online through social media.

You will be supporting the delivery of the public engagement programme, working with members of the HWDT team to deliver meaningful engagement and inspirational activities to connect people with the spectacular marine heritage of the west coast of Scotland. You will inspire and inform visitors and the local community, champion participation in citizen science, and carry out fieldwork to monitor marine life. This role will provide training and experience of community engagement, science communication, and wildlife guiding to kick-start your career in conservation!

You will join the crew of one of our Research Expedition surveys on board our sailing vessel Silurian. Sailing the west coast of Scotland, you will monitor marine mammals and the health of our seas; while ensuring the expedition runs smoothly and the participants have a positive and memorable experience. Successful candidates are also invited to join an optional pre-placement 5-day survey during March. This will give you first-hand experience of our survey protocol and ensure you are well equipped to assist the crew on your later survey.

Living and working on the Isle of Mull, as part of HWDT’s small and friendly team, makes this is a fantastic opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience, while playing an active role in marine conservation.

Role description:

Your main area of work will be in and around the Hebridean Whale Centre in Tobermory based on a 28-hour working week.

• Provide expert wildlife guiding and informal interpretation to visitors about Hebridean marine wildlife, environment and heritage – both in our visitor centre and out at local sites on the Hebridean Whale Trail, through our activity programme of guided walks, headland watches, evening talks and family activities.
• Deliver exceptional customer service in the retail environment of the Hebridean Whale Centre gift shop.
• Carry out dedicated land-based cetacean surveys using Whale Track and encourage visitors to participate in whale watching and biological recording activities.
• Run activities to encourage stewardship of our seas including beach cleans and kid's clubs.
• Positively represent HWDT in person and through digital media, written articles and social media.
• Provide scientific engagement through excellent customer service and a warm welcome in the Hebridean Whale Centre.
• Participation in a marine mammal research expedition survey on board Silurian.

What you will gain:

• Personalised training for all aspects of your role.
• Training and ongoing support through regular progress meetings, professional development monitoring and post-placement advice and support.
• Experience in public engagement, wildlife guiding and science communication.
• Training and experience carrying out field-based data collection from land and sea.
• Vital experience for careers in marine conservation and nature tourism.

Essential criteria:

• Friendly, open communication style with people of all ages.
• Previous customer service experience.
• Self-motivated, in possession of high levels of initiative, and keen to learn new skills.
• Passionate about marine conservation and cetaceans.
• Able to live and work in a remote location as part of a small team.

Desirable criteria:

• UK driver’s license and access to a car.
• Experience working with children.
• Experience of different social media platforms.
• Knowledge of Scottish cetaceans.
• Knowledge of the local area.

Placement Dates: 4th May till the 25th September 2026

The successful candidates will work 28 hours a week during the placement, including weekends and occasional evenings. This will mostly be based on a 4-day working week, with the standard working day from 0930 – 1630. 14-day holiday entitlement.

Optional pre-placement familiarisation week: 5-days at sea during March 2026

Application deadline: 9am Monday 5th January 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited interview via Zoom on Wednesday 21st January. Please include in your application your availability for interview.