Ready to make a splash in marine conservation?

Join Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) at our Scottish Dolphin Centre and gain meaningful, hands-on experience with a global charity working for a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.

Whether you’re at the start of your journey, changing direction, or building on existing experience, this residential volunteer role offers the chance to develop valuable skills while inspiring people to care for our oceans.

Location: WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay, Moray
Dates: Tuesday 3 March – Friday 28 August 2026
Commitment: 5 days per week (including weekends)

About us

WDC is a leading global charity dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and their habitats. At our Scottish Dolphin Centre, we connect people with nature through inspiring visitor experiences, education programmes and citizen science.

We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our work and helps us better reflect and serve the communities we engage with. Overseas volunteers are welcome to apply.

The location

The Scottish Dolphin Centre sits at the mouth of the River Spey where it meets the Moray Firth, beside a beautiful nature reserve (see on map). This is home to the world’s largest bottlenose dolphins, along with ospreys, seals, otters and a wide variety of other wildlife.

What you’ll be doing

This role is primarily focused on community engagement and visitor experience, rather than field research.

You will:

• Deliver engaging, accessible and high-quality visitor experiences through talks, tours, interpretation and events.
• Support the Education Coordinator to deliver WDC’s education programme, including outdoor learning sessions and workshops.
• Assist the Shorewatch Coordinator with land-based data collection and help support Shorewatch volunteers across the Moray Firth.
• Work collaboratively with staff and fellow volunteers to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all visitors.

What you’ll gain

• Confidence in public speaking, interpretation and engaging diverse audiences.
• Experience in environmental and outdoor education.
• Skills in community outreach, visitor engagement and event delivery.
• Insight into citizen science and conservation data collection.
• Teamwork, communication and leadership skills within a supportive conservation setting.

What we offer

• Free onsite accommodationin an area of outstanding natural beauty.
• £35 weekly food allowance per person.
• Extensive training, mentoring and ongoing supportthroughout your placement.
• The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to marine conservation while living and working in a unique coastal location.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need a specific background in conservation to apply. We’re particularly keen to hear from people who:

• Are enthusiastic about nature, wildlife or the environment.
• Enjoy communicating with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Are open to learning, working as part of a team and trying new things.
• Can commit to the full duration of the programme.

If you don’t meet every point but feel excited by the role, we’d still love to hear from you.

Download our application pack:

Volunteer role description
Application form
Application form guidance

Closing date: 10:00am, Monday 19 January 2026
Interviews: Held online during the week commencing 26 January 2026

Have a question?

Contact us at: volunteers.scotland@whales.org

Find out more

Be part of something bigger. Help inspire action for whales, dolphins and our shared ocean.