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- Tasks: Help digitise bird specimens and contribute to biodiversity monitoring.
- Company: National Museums Scotland, a hub for natural history enthusiasts.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, meet new people, and enjoy a flexible volunteering schedule.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while exploring your passion for birds.
- Qualifications: Interest in natural history, teamwork skills, and competent IT abilities.
- Other info: Open-ended opportunity with potential for long-term involvement.
National Museums Scotland is looking for volunteers to help with our Bird Collections at the National Museums Collection Centre (Granton, Edinburgh). We are seeking curious, organised and motivated individuals to join our Natural Sciences team.
About The Role
In teams of two, you will undertake careful, specimen‑based digitisation producing an accurate record of the bird skin collection. In doing so, you will help facilitate access to our collections for researchers and contribute to biodiversity monitoring.
What’s involved?
- Deciphering, digitally transcribing, and photographing labels from bird specimens
- Sense‑checking the information using your ornithological interest and the reference resources provided
- Accurate data entry
- Teamwork
This role may suit you if you are…
- Someone with an interest in natural history and bird taxonomy
- Someone who likes to collaborate
- Someone looking to contribute to a large, long‑term project
- Someone with competent IT skills and a good eye for detail
When is it?
Volunteering hours are negotiable. Ideally, we hope volunteers can provide one Thursday per week (hours agreed with the line manager and their volunteer partner). This is an open‑ended opportunity suitable for someone interested in long‑term involvement. We hope to host a taster session on Thursday 11 December, but selection is not dependant on your availability that day.
By getting involved you could…
- Learn more about National Museums Scotland and our work
- Develop valuable skills and experiences within the museum sector
- Enjoy doing something you like while meeting new people
For more information, see the attached Volunteer Role Description and guidance on the Right to Volunteer. Volunteering is a fantastic way for people to engage with our collections and for us to engage with our communities. If this sounds like something you would enjoy and can lend some of your time to, we would love to hear from you. We may close this opportunity before the scheduled closing date if we receive a large number of applications. Start dates will be staggered to ensure volunteers receive the best training and support, which may delay the beginning of your volunteering.
Bird Collections Volunteer employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bird Collections Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on National Museums Scotland. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect your passion for natural history with what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your teamwork skills! Since this role involves working in pairs, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past. Highlighting your ability to work well with others can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your ornithology knowledge! Having a solid grasp of bird taxonomy will not only impress the team but also help you feel more confident during your volunteering. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are eager to join us in making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Bird Collections Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Birds: Let us know why you're interested in birds and natural history! A personal touch can really make your application stand out. Share any relevant experiences or hobbies that showcase your enthusiasm.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: Since this role involves careful data entry and specimen handling, highlight your organisational skills. Mention any past experiences where attention to detail was key, as it shows you’re the right fit for our team.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: We love collaboration! Make sure to mention any previous teamwork experiences. Whether it's in a volunteer role or a project, showing that you can work well with others will definitely catch our eye.
Apply Through Our Website: To make things easier for us and you, please apply through our website. It streamlines the process and ensures we get all the info we need to consider your application properly.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums Scotland
✨Show Your Passion for Ornithology
Make sure to express your genuine interest in birds and natural history during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or knowledge you have about bird taxonomy, as this will demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working in pairs, be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences. Think of examples where you've collaborated effectively with others, and how you can contribute positively to a team environment.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the nature of the work, it's crucial to showcase your eye for detail. Bring up instances where your meticulousness has made a difference, especially in data entry or similar tasks, to reassure them that you can handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your curiosity by preparing thoughtful questions about the volunteering position and the projects at National Museums Scotland. This not only shows your interest but also helps you understand how you can best contribute to their mission.
