VOLUNTEER WITH US

Conservation Engagement Volunteers 

We pride ourselves on our ability to communicate our conservation and research work to the public. Having recently expanded our visitor centre, we are looking for individuals passionate about marine biology, conservation and sustainability to help share our work with visitors to our site in Padstow during the summer season (May – October)

This role will be based in our visitor centre and involve engaging with members of the public, carrying out activities and sharing your passion and knowledge of the marine environment with them.

Desirable skills for this role:

• An ability to communicate a message with members of the public of all ages.
• Good knowledge of issues surrounding marine conservation and sustainability.
• Knowledge of European Lobster biology and fisheries (training will be provided on the specifics of the NLH’s role in this area)
  

To register your interest please email chris.weston@nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk with a copy of your CV and a brief statement outlining your availability and why you would be suited to this position.

*You must be aged 18 or above for this role. This is a voluntary position and the NLH is unable to cover travel or accommodation costs. 

Volunteer with the Hatchery Team. 

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO VACANCIES WITHIN THE HATCHERY TEAM - PLEASE CHECK BACK AT A LATER TIME. Thank you for you interest.

Our hatchery operations are conducted by a dedicated team of marine technicians who deal with the day to day running of our hatcheries, facilitating our lobster restocking conservation programme and supporting cutting edge research.

We are able to offer a small number of opportunities to volunteers to assist the team with tasks relating to animal husbandry and aquaculture systems maintenance and enhancement in the hatchery.

Hatchery volunteers - day to day tasks include but are not limited to:

• Feeding lobster larvae, juveniles, broodstock, and aquarium exhibits
• Assisting with the husbandry of brood stock
• Cleaning tanks
• Maintaining and enhancing recirculating aquaculture systems and aquarium displays
• Water quality/chemistry monitoring

Please note: In order for volunteers to gain the best possible experience from this role we ask you commit to at least 6 months for a one day a week volunteer placement. You may be asked to attend an interview as part of our selection process. A qualification in a relevant science which includes marine biology, issues of sustainability or fisheries management is preferred but not essential. These roles are not paid and you must be over 18 to work with the hatchery team. Unfortunately we are unable to offer any financial support or cover travel costs.

STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

Our team of researchers are involved in some of the most pioneering European Lobster research anywhere in the world. We are able to accommodate a small number of student research projects focussing on the subject of European Lobster aquaculture, biology or fisheries which would benefit from the use of our facilities and the experience and knowledge of our scientists. These projects would usually be conducted as a joint venture between ourselves and the university of the student and are best suited to third year BSc students or Masters/PhD projects.

Please note: These roles are not paid and you must be over 18 to work with the research team. Unfortunately we are unable to offer any financial support or cover travel costs.

For more information on the research projects we can accommodate and to discuss potential opportunities please email carly.daniels@nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk

One of our previous Volunteers

Charlotte Preston started volunteered with us to gain relevant work experience, having graduated from an Environmental Tourism & Sustainability degree. Months later, we were able to offer her paid work through the Access to Work Scheme to support a member of our research team in the hatchery.

She was undertaking mirco-biological analysis of lobster larvae & water samples and morphometric analysis of larvae & juveniles for our Framework 7 Research project. She also gained practical experience of husbandry techniques and the life support systems within the hatchery.

With her new found practical experience and a glowing reference, Charlotte gained full time employment in 2011 with the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth as an Aquarist and Diver.