Love nature, wildlife and the great outdoors? This could be for you – Dublin City Council are seeking volunteers to join the North Bull Island Volunteer Programme.
Dollymount Strand on North Bull Island. (Image William Murphy)
The Conservation Volunteer programme at North Bull Island is now in its fourth year. The programme, which currently has a dedicated group of 18 volunteers, completed 976 hours of volunteering in 2019 and carried out a range of flora and fauna surveys as well as workshops to over 400 people.
Due to the success of the programme, Dublin City Council is now seeking applications from members of the public who wish to become a Conservation Volunteer on North Bull Island.
The North Bull Island Nature Reserve is unique, having several nature conservation designations for the habitats and species it supports, as well as being designated as a special amenity area for its aesthetic and recreational value. North Bull Island is managed by Dublin City Council and is an integral part of the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere. The island is used daily by walkers, bathers, kite-surfers, beachgoers, bird-watchers, nature enthusiasts, and many others.
Dublin City Council’s vision for North Bull Island reflects the vision for the wider Dublin Bay Biosphere, which is to promote a balance between people and nature, i.e. amenity/recreation and ecological conservation. The conservation volunteer programme on North Bull Island is regarded as an important element to achieving this vision.
Kite Surfer at the Battle of the Bay festival that takes place during the summer
The objective of the conservation volunteer programme is to facilitate the expressed wish of the community to promote the ecological and cultural values of North Bull Island, which assists in the achievement of the management objectives for the Nature Reserve. Activities that the conservation volunteers have performed to date include:
– Communicating with visitors to the Island.
– Leading walks and talks on the various flora and fauna of the island.
– Taking part in surveys of species and habitats.
– Increasing community involvement in, and awareness of, the management objectives of the Island.
– Assisting in practical conservation tasks, such as Invasive Species removal.
– Promoting the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’.
Volunteers will be expected to commit to a minimum of two days a month (13 hours), either on a weekend or weekday, for a twelve month period. Shifts are normally 10:30 am to 5 pm but there is flexibility provided the total commitment is reached. There is also a requirement for volunteers to complete Garda vetting for the role (which will be arranged through Dublin City Council).
Personal Attributes
We are seeking self-motivated, outgoing people who are able to communicate to a wide and varied audience. Candidates must be over 18 years, have a reasonable level of fitness, be comfortable in working outdoors on an undulating landscape; enjoy meeting and working with people, and providing assistance in a polite and constructive manner.
While no formal qualifications are required, candidates must have a love of nature and outdoor recreation, and demonstrate competence in interpersonal skills, organisation and teamwork. Candidates should also have an understanding of the conservation and management objectives for the Island.
Any previous experience or knowledge in the following areas would be an advantage: facilitating/ leading groups; working with young people; history/ ecology of North Bull Island; field experience of ornithology/botany/marine ecology; volunteering or citizen science; teaching or customer care.
To apply for the position, please submit a Curriculum Vitae and covering letter by 5 pm on Thursday, 6th February 2020 via Email: biodiversity@dublincity.ie or post: Lorraine Bull, Biodiversity Officer, North Bull Island Conservation Volunteer Programme, Parks & Landscape Services, Dublin City Council, Block 4, Floor 0, Wood Quay Civic Offices, Dublin 8.
Interviews for the post will be held on the 15th and 22nd February 2020.
For further information, please contact Lorraine Bull, Biodiversity Officer, at Email: biodiversity@dublincity.ie or check out the following information on their website
