Dream job: Live free on picturesque island among thousands of birds

Where the island is

The island offered for living by the Wildlife Trust, is located off the coast of Wales and is called Skomer. It is near Pembrokeshire and is one of the most important seabird colonies in the UK. Over 40,000 Atlantic puffins, more than 10,000 razorbills, and nearly half of the world’s population of Manx shearwaters live here.

The island is also home to other wildlife, including curlews, peregrine falcons, Atlantic grey seals, and its own endemic subspecies of Skomer vole.

Skomer Island receives up to 250 visitors daily and provides accommodation for 16 tourists per night.

Who they are looking for

The Wildlife Trust announced a vacancy for a volunteer to monitor seabirds. This person will become part of the island team and assist in seasonal monitoring of internationally important seabird populations.

There are three shifts available:

• March 28 – July 4

• April 25 – August 1

• July 4 – September 30

There is also a special position from May 23 to June 23 for a specialist monitoring puffins and Manx shearwaters.

Job responsibilities

The volunteer’s duties will include monitoring bird populations, welcoming guests, providing information to visitors, and assisting the island wardens.

Additionally, volunteers will help with the preparation and maintenance of census equipment, accurate record-keeping and data backup, and creating content for the Skomer Island blog and social media channels.

If you love birdwatching, this volunteer position is for you (photo: Getty Images)

What the volunteer receives

For this work, the Wildlife Trust provides free accommodation (including bills) on Skomer Island for the entire duration of the placement. Travel expenses to and from Skomer within the UK are also covered, along with parking if needed.

There is a budget for volunteer training, and each volunteer receives a uniform and binoculars. In addition, a stipend of £200 is provided after completing the report.

Candidate requirements

• Passion for wildlife conservation in the UK

• Physical endurance and readiness to work long hours on a small boat in any weather

• High motivation and initiative

• Experience working both independently and in a team

• Willingness and ability to learn

• Excellent communication skills

• Flexibility – life on the island can be unpredictable, so adaptability is key

• Age 18+

• Right to reside in the UK (temporary, student, or any status that does not require a separate visa)

Preferred skills and experience

• Knowledge of UK wildlife

• Experience in wildlife monitoring, especially seabirds nesting on cliffs

• Experience living and working on boats

This might interest you:

• Which cuisines of the planet made the top 10 best and where Ukraine ranks

• 7 magical locations in Ukraine to escape from the world