Volunteer with HWDT

 

Join our fun and passionate team and help protect whales, dolphins and porpoises. Volunteers are at the heart of our charity.

 

WHALE TRACK VERIFICATION VOLUNTEER

Whale Track is HWDT’s community sightings network, collating community sightings from a network of citizen scientists across Scotland. Whale Track receives over 10,000 sightings reports a year from members of the public. Verification of these reports follow a consistent process to ensure all sightings are being classified in the same way and is vital in ensuring the data set is robust. 

As a Whale Track verification volunteer for HWDT, you will play a vital role in the verification process, following a set protocol to ensure all reports are checked, verified and classified consistently. You will benefit from initial and ongoing training and support in species ID and data verification techniques, while developing skills in species ID, basic data handling and scientific communication, through communicating with our Whale Track reporters.

DETAILS: This is a remote, online role with flexible hours. Training for the role takes place twice a year, in Feb/March and November. This role is currently only open to people 18yrs and over.

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2026

 
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Outreach Assistant - Recruitment closed for 2026

This placement offers an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver memorable and inspiring activities for residents and visitors to Tobermory and the Isle of Mull. With a variety of events on offer, this role is a great way to gain experience and confidence engaging with the general public, while playing an active role in conservation. Popular activities in this placement include: leading headland watches and guided walks, delivering specialist talks, and interacting with a wide audience demographic.

START: Monday 4th May 2026

LENGTH: 21 weeks

TIME COMMITMENT: 28 hours a week

applications are closed now for the 2026 season

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Student projects

Each year we provide data to a small number of researchers and students working on projects that align with our research and conservation priorities.

Please note, this is very competitive process and is always oversubscribed.

Before applying, please follow the link below for more detail and prepare a research proposal, outlining the aims and objectives of your work.

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CITIZEN SCIENTIST on board silurian

Around 100 people a year sail with us, helping to collect vital data on marine animals. These live-aboard experiences are a great way to explore the Hebrides, meet like-minded people and learn more about marine life in a fun and practical way. Anyone can join us on board and all training is provided.

DATES: April - October
TIME COMMITMENT: 7 to 12 day expeditions
AGE: 16+
COST: from £1,495

Learn more
 

 

BE PART OF THE WHALE TRACK COMMUNITY

Join a community of people monitoring and recording whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks in Scotland. Download the Whale Track app or report your sightings online and help track the movements of coastal species like bottlenose dolphins and uncover the mysteries of rarer visitors like humpback whales and orca. Anyone can get involved and contribute to deepening the understanding of species in our seas.

 
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