Saving Wildcats is looking for two GPS radio-tracking volunteers to assist our field team
Saving Wildcats is a partnership project lead by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), dedicated to Scottish wildcat conservation and recovery, aiming to prevent the extinction of wildcats in Scotland by breeding and releasing them into the wild.
Saving Wildcats is looking for two GPS radio-tracking volunteers to assist the field team with GPS radio-tracking released wildcats. Based at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland‘s Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, this predominantly field-based role will primarily involve radio-tracking collared wildcats and downloading the GPS data. There may also be opportunities to participate in additional field-based activities, such as camera-trap checks, camera-trap image analysis and Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) of feral domestic cats.
Volunteering will give you the opportunity to contribute directly towards conservation efforts for the critically endangered wildcat in Scotland. You will learn about the conservation issues affecting wildcats and the actions being taken to prevent their extinction, and you will gain direct practical experience of tracking mammals using GPS-radio collars, data collection, handling, and recording, as well as an insight into the complexities involved with in-situ field work.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual with an interest in wildcats and species restorations, with fieldwork experience, preferably in the Scottish Highlands or similar remote and challenging conditions.
You will be provided with local accommodation, discounted lunch at the on-site café, and expenses of up to £50 per week. Vehicles will be provided for volunteers to use from Highland Wildlife Park to/from the field site for the tracking. However, you will be responsible for your own transport to and from the Highland Wildlife Park, and therefore a driving license and your own vehicle are required for this position as there is no public transport out of hours. You will be compensated for your fuel costs when driving to and from Highland Wildlife Park, on top of your expenses. We are looking for someone who can start from October 4th, for a minimum of 6 weeks, with the position available until December 22nd. Preference will be given to candidates who are available for the whole time period.
RZSS is committed to being fair, open and inclusive. We believe that RZSS benefits from the involvement of volunteers from diverse cultures, perspectives and experiences. We will not discriminate on the grounds on gender, race, disability, age, religious beliefs, and so on. In some cases, extra support may be given to volunteers (e.g. those with disabilities). We expect our volunteers to adhere to the Guidelines on Equality and Diversity.