Saving Wildcats is looking for an ex-situ data volunteer
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 a data volunteer to assist the ex-situ conservation (wildcat captive management) team with the classification and handling of video data obtained from CCTV footage of individual animals in the UK’s first dedicated conservation breeding for release centre for wildcats. Based at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland‘s Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig, this office-based role will primarily involve handling CCTV footage, but the position may also include occasionally assisting the ex-situ conservation team with activities such as food and enrichment preparation, enclosure maintenance, and other tasks as required by the ex-situ manager.
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 handling and analysing large datasets, as well as specific knowledge and experience of animal behaviour monitoring.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual with an interest in wildcats and species translocations, meticulous attention to detail, and some experience handling large datasets. Previous experience of working in a zoo environment or experience with wild animal behaviour monitoring would be desirable but is not essential.
You will be provided with local accommodation, discounted lunch at the on-site café, and expenses of up to £50 per week. Transport to and from Highland Wildlife Park can be provided but personal means of transportation would be recommended, given that you will be responsible for providing your own transportation outside of working hours. We are looking for someone who can start as soon as possible, for a minimum of two months, with the potential to provisionally extend to five months.
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.