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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Ruth Mosalski

Your chance to live for free on a beautiful Welsh island

If you're looking for a new direction this new year there's a job on offer that would completely transform your life.

An assistant warden is needed for the remote and beautiful Skomer Island off the coast of Pembrokeshire.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales wants an assistant warden for the seabird site and the eight-month post will start on February 27.

It has a salary of £15,800 attached and accommodation on the island for the contract length is provided at no charge.

It involves living on the island for the full duration of the contract with limited time to visit the mainland for time off and food shopping.

The deadline to apply is midnight on Thursday, January 16, and shortlisting will take place the following week.

Skomer Island is owned by Natural Resources Wales but managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and has half of the world’s breeding population of Manx Shearwaters as well as the largest puffin colony in southern Britain and the largest populations of kittiwake, guillemot and razorbill in Wales.

It is also within a marine conservation zone.

You might get to spot some of Pembrokeshire's beautiful dolphins:

Pembrokeshire dolphins

Skomer is visited by up to 300 visitors a day in the peak season including educational groups, overnight guests, and families. The job description says the position includes a lot of interaction with the public.

"Skomer has lots of opportunity to give a broad range of people amazing wildlife experiences. A key part of your role will be in helping to deliver this.

"Because of the important seabird colonies on the island an extensive monitoring programme is carried out.

"There are several fieldworkers and researchers on the island.

"Your will assist the wardens, fieldworkers and/or researchers as and when required.

(Lisa Drewe)

"If the post-holder has any specific interests in certain taxa this will be encouraged/developed. You will have opportunities to develop yourself by gaining experience with the various scientists who also live and work on the island. There is also an extensive library on the island.

"There will be a broad range of other tasks including habitat management, monitoring and maintenance of the island infrastructure (eg. footpath, hide, building and machinery maintenance).

"Although extensive training will be given at the start of the role the post-holder will need to be able to make decisions independently and often quickly. This role provides a great opportunity for own initiative and a scope for personal growth. On more complex matters you will liaise with the Skomer wardens.

"In order for Skomer Island to operate efficiently everyone must be prepared to cover each other’s roles, this includes the visitor officer and the field worker. Although working hours can often be long (up to 48 hours per week) there is a flexible time off in lieu system in operation."

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