Volunteering opportunities – Lundy 2024
Are you seeking to gain experience in wildlife conservation while living on a remote island? Keen to escape the mainland and immerse yourself with breathtaking land and seascapes, a vibrant island community, contribute to Bird Observatory studies and enjoy a wide range of fascinating and beautiful wildlife? Well then why not apply to volunteer on the wonderful island of Lundy!
Once again we are inviting volunteers to join the team in 2024 to support the island's important conservation programme throughout the sailing season. No specific qualifications or work experience is necessary to apply. However, candidates who have previous work experience in a similar role, are working towards a career in conservation, hold relevant qualifications and/or are enthusiastic birders/ringers/wildlife recorders will be well placed. Our previous volunteers have gone onto further study or jobs with Natural England, National Trust, Wildlife Trusts and in some cases with The Lundy Company.
Available positions
Volunteer Assistant Ranger - 11th March to 25th October 2024
This position has been generously supported by the John Coates Charitable Trust.
Overview: The candidate will primarily support the Island Ranger deliver practical habitat management and estate maintenance on a high-profile wildlife conservation site. The role is highly varied, and a flexible approach is essential with tasks spanning dry stone walling, rhododendron eradication, bracken management, stock fencing, footpath maintenance, supervising volunteer work parties and tree maintenance. LANTRA ATV training will be provided along with one other practical ticket upon completion of the season. The candidate will also be expected to undertake general island duties such housekeeping, cargo, recycling and visitor engagement as required.
Bird Observatory Volunteer Assistant Warden - 1st March to 25th October 2024
Overview: Main responsibilities involve supporting all Bird Observatory studies, including the daily census, seabird productivity studies, bird ringing, wildlife recording and data collection. Candidates will also provide additional to Atlantic Grey Seal surveys in the autumn and assist the Ranger team and other departments as required.
Essential: Excellent identification skills of breeding and migrant birds.
Desirable: Ideal candidates will hold a bird ringing licence, C-permit or higher.
Seabird Volunteer Assistant Warden - 26th March to 1st August 2024
Overview: The role focuses on surveying the island’s breeding seabirds, conducting auk, gull and petrel productivity studies as well as supporting additional RSPB-led Storm Petrel surveys. Training will be provided, but familiarity with British seabirds will be advantageous. As with all positions, candidates are expected to assist other departments as required.
Essential: Confident identification of British seabirds. Willingness to work independently for extended periods on coastal slopes.
Desirable: Experience conducting wildlife surveys, exceptional candidates will have prior seabird productivity study experience.
Atlantic Grey Seal Volunteer Assistant Warden - 1st August to 25th October
Overview: The position revolves around Atlantic Grey Seal studies and protection. Conducting full island photo identification surveys, seal pup checks and “pup-sitting” to move on the public where pups or seals are hauled out at high footfall locations. As with all positions candidates are expected to assist the Ranger team and other departments as required.
Essential: Willingness to work independently for extended periods on coastal slopes.
Desirable: Experience surveying wildlife. Exceptional candidates will have previous marine mammal survey experience and photo identification skills.
Additional information
Candidates must be of a hardy nature and happy working outdoors in exposed weather conditions. Additionally, applicants must also be willing to work near cliffs and steep slopes safely.
Hours of work: Generally, 8am-5pm five days a week (including weekends) but flexible hours are an essential part of island life. Early starts are required, particularly for Bird Observatory and Seabird positions.
Hostel-style accommodation will be provided for the majority of your stay which will be shared with the other volunteers and scientific researchers. During periods of high occupancy, seasonal volunteers may be required to camp. Lunch and dinner are provided in exchange for time spent helping either the Housekeeping Team and/or Tavern Staff.
How to apply
Please send a completed application form to the Warden. Please note, the closing date for all applications is 11:59 pm on 29th December 2023.
All interviews for this position will be held week commencing 15th January 2024.
Full job descriptions and application forms can be downloaded below:
Volunteer Assistant Ranger Job Description
Volunteer Assistant Ranger Application Form
Assistant Warden Job Description
Assistant Warden Application Form
If you have any questions regarding the positions, please contact the Warden.
Joe Parker
Head Warden
[email protected]
01237 431831 ext 225