Dublin City Council is seeking applications from members of the public for a North Bull Island Volunteer Programme.

North Bull Island is managed by Dublin City Council, has several nature conservation designations for the habitats and species it supports, is designated as a special amenity area for its aesthetic and recreational value, and is an integral part of the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere. It 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 (NBI) reflects the vision for the wider Dublin Bay Biosphere, i.e. to promote a balance between the amenity, recreational and economic potential of North Bull Island and its ecological, cultural, and educational values. A NBI Volunteer Programme is regarded as central to achieving that vision.

The objective of the Volunteer Programme is to have a team of volunteers who are interested in promoting the ecological, cultural, and educational values of North Bull Island to fellow visitors, and to assist in the management of responsible outdoor recreation.

The Volunteer Programme aims to:

• Assist visitors in appreciating the special ecological and cultural qualities of North Bull Island through education, communication and conservation activities
• Increase community involvement in, and awareness of, the management of the Island
• Assist in practical conservation tasks
• Promote the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’
• Develop the volunteers own personal understanding, knowledge and sense of belonging to North Bull Island

Personal Attributes

We are seeking self-motivated, outgoing people who are able to communicate to a wide and varied audience. Candidates should have a reasonable level of fitness, be comfortable in working outdoors on an undulating landscape, and 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. 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.

Candidates should ideally live close to North Bull Island or be regular visitors to the Island, however, any candidates (including students) who can commit to a minimum of two days a month (weekends or weekdays) for a twelve month period will be considered. Candidates should demonstrate an enthusiasm to helping Dublin City Council in the stewardship of North Bull Island. Candidates must be over 18 years, however there is no maximum age limit.

Applicants are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae and covering letter to biodiversity@dublincity.ie or North Bull Island Volunteer Programme, Parks & Landscape Services, Dublin City Council, Block 4, Floor 0, Wood Quay Civic Offices, Dublin 8 on or before Friday, February 24th 2017. Applicants will be Garda Vetted.

For further information, please contact biodiversity@dublincity.ie