Volunteer at the Centre
The successful running of our Centre is only possible with the help of our team of volunteers. Whether it’s just a few hours a week, a specific skill or becoming a residential intern for the season, there’s bound to be something you can help with, and all in an amazing environment.
There are lots of ways you can help out at the Scottish Dolphin Centre by volunteering:
Leading tours, dolphin watching, shop work, gardening, handy person, events, school talks, face-painting, photography and much more! Plus you don’t have to be a dolphin expert, we give you all the training you need.
Residential volunteers
Residential Volunteer Guides join us on a full-time basis for one of three placements.
The 2025 placements should run as follows –
- 4th of March to the 29th of August
- 3rd of June to the 26th of September
- 2nd of September to the 31st of October
You should be able to commit to the whole placement to gain the full range of experience. Applications go live around 9 weeks before the start date of each placement. Register your interest to be reminded. You must be at least 18 years old to become a residential volunteer.
This is not a rolling programme where volunteers come and go. It is for a fixed period of time. We are now able to accept overseas volunteers.
Volunteers are an essential part of the WDC Scotland team and play a vital role in our work. Your hard work and support help towards our vision of a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.
We’re committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment and would like to hear from you, whatever your background, culture, identity, or experiences. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, we believe that diversity enriches our team and helps us better serve our visitors.
What’s in it for you?
- Make a positive difference to marine conservation
- Environmental interpretation and education experience
- Project management
- Events organisation
- Research experience
- Based in a beautiful location with a huge variety of wildlife, including dolphins!
- Build skills and experience for a career change
The length of your placement will determine which activities you have time to take part in.
We also provide:
- Free onsite accommodation in an area of outstanding natural beauty
- £35 weekly food budget per person
- Training and support
- Mileage expenses
For further information contact Cath Bain, SDC officer, on 01343 820 339 or email: [email protected]
Christiana Ellis 2023 Residential Volunteer – “living at Spey Bay as a residential volunteer guide is one of the best things I’ve ever done in my ecological journey.”
Jamie McDermaid 2022 Residential Volunteer- “It’s been a really fun experience but also an incredibly enlightening one. I’ve learnt so much more about whales, dolphins, and their conservation, and have even had the privilege to pass this knowledge onto others.”
Maddie Cayley 2022 Residential Volunteer – “Spey Bay is the most special place, and I learned so much not just from the amazing centre staff, but also thanks to the generosity of everyone who was willing to chat away with me.”
Want to find out more about volunteering from past Volunteers? Check out these blogs.
Community Volunteering
Are you looking to get involved helping at the Dolphin Centre? Get in touch if you would like to join our Gardening or Maintenance Teams or if you have others skills that you think we can use.
Our Community Volunteers are a valued part of the Scottish Dolphin Centre Team and we are ready to welcome new people at any time.
For further information contact Cath Bain, SDC officer, on 01343 820 339 or email: [email protected]
Shorewatch
WDC Shorewatch is a network of trained volunteers monitoring the presence and absence of whales and dolphins at selected sites around the Scottish coastline, in order to raise awareness and capture vital data crucial to the long term future of these amazing animals. Find out more.
