We are looking for a new full-time Conservation assistant - Wildlife Crime volunteer to join our international team for a minumuno of 10 to 12 months

Wildlife crime fieldwork

Assistance is needed in our fieldwork in relation to ongoing wildlife crime related to hunting, trapping and illegal possession of protected birds. Activities will include ad-hoc monitoring as well as dedicated periods of engagement in wildlife crime investigations such as during our annual Spring Watch and Raptor Camp.

Candidates would ideally have a good grasp of bird taxonomy, have volunteered in wildlife crime detection activities, know how to handle basic optical equipment and are willing to learn and innovate.

Bird rescue and care

BirdLife Malta runs a 24/7 voluntary injured bird recovery scheme, answering calls made by the public who encounter shot or injured birds in their property or in the countryside.

Accordingly, assistance is required in picking up and ensuring injured birds brought to BirdLife Malta receive urgent veterinary attention, and are rehabilitated with the aim of releasing them back into the wild. Duties will include:

• Answering calls by the public, picking up and ensuring injured birds brought to BirdLife receive urgent veterinary attention and first aid
• Feed and care for injured birds requiring short or long-term rehabilitation through various stages in their recovery so they can be released in to the wild
• Ensure excellent hygiene to minimise health risks to birds and humans
• Provide feedback to people calling BirdLife Malta regarding injured bird cases
• Keep records and case files of all cases of injured birds, reporting to conservation and veterinary team on all cases of wild birds under our care
• Establish and innovate feeding protocols, care and maintenance of injured birds ensuring they can be released at their outmost physical form

ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS This is a volunteering opportunity under the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) scheme, BirdLife Malta provide accomodation and cover all living costs for the duration of the one-year term. The selected candidate will also have their travelling expenses to Malta reimbursed and receive a monthly allowance.

TRAINING DURING THE ACTIVITY Conservation department staff will provide training to ensure that the volunteer learns how to care for injured protected birds and provides assistance to the wildlife rehabilitation coordinator.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

• Aged 18-30
• A citizen of one of the programme/partner countries
• Outgoing, friendly, keen to meet new people, socialise & experience a different culture
• Interested in improving bird, flora & other taxa identification skills 
• Interested in inspiring & educating people about birds and the natural world 
• Willing to develop administration, time management, numeracy & interpersonal skills 
• Willing to learn & having an adaptable approach in line with the needs of a charitable organisation’s structure including working flexible & occasional long hours, which could include weekends & holidays