We only employ two persons - a Warden and an Assistant to the Warden.  Occasionally we also employ special project officers and at the moment (2008) we have Richard Else who is undertaking a Manx Shearwater Population Monitoring study.

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Full Job Description (for information only).

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VOLUNTARY WARDENS AT BARDSEY BIRD AND FIELD OBSERVATORY.

At Bardsey we are both keen and grateful to receive voluntary help from anyone wishing to offer his or her services as voluntary warden, for multiples of a week (Saturday to Saturday only). Accommodation is limited and priority is given to those who wish to follow a career in conservation related employment and to those who can offer a period of four to six weeks voluntary help. It is hoped that in return for voluntary help, we can offer training and practical experience in a wide variety of activities, together with free accommodation. Unfortunately, we are only able to offer free board, but in the past, many visitors have donated food to voluntaries and living costs are very low. The usual boat fare is waived for those staying for more than a week. If you do undertake a period as voluntary warden you will need to bring a sleeping bag, wellies, a torch, binoculars and enough food and clothes etc. to make yourself comfortable.

The following is a rough guide to the duties and work commitment expected of voluntary wardens on Bardsey. The exact duties will vary according to time of year, visitor numbers and the individual skills of those involved, and the daily work rota will also be adjusted in accordance with weather, etc.

    It is expected that on average a commitment of four to six hours work per day is given, and this will involve a mixture of routine tasks, practical maintenance, estate work, paperwork and ornithological activities.
    There will also be an opportunity to receive training in the skills of bird ringing which takes place daily (approx. 6am to 10am) during the main migration seasons (April-May, August-October).
    Routine tasks at the Observatory - it is essential that visitors enjoy high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, hence it is likely that voluntary wardens will help out with duties such as processing household waste, emptying composting toilets, sweeping rooms and more general cleaning in the kitchen and washrooms. 
    Practical maintenance:  The harsh winter weather conditions mean that the observatory building has to be constantly maintained. Although the majority of this work occurs early and late on in the season, there are usually some jobs needing doing throughout the season. This work comprises painting and decorating, mending doors etc.  
    Estate work: This includes coppicing withy beds, fencing, cutting bracken, repairing board walks, repairing heligoland traps and hides, clearing net rides and paths, and helping out on the farm.

Ornithological activities

As mentioned above there will an opportunity to ring birds, though this is entirely up to you. We also carry out a daily census of migrant birds, and during the breeding season, a full breeding census. Regardless of your skill and experience, there will be ample opportunity to get involved in any of these activities. We also record many other aspects of natural history such as cetaceans, seals, butterflies and moths, dragonflies etc., and some botanical survey work takes place in June and July.

Any queries please contact: The Warden, Bardsey Bird & Field Observatory, Bardsey Island, Aberdaron, Pwllheli, Gwynedd. WALES, UK LL53 8DE. 

Tel: 07855 264 151 or email:  warden at bbfo dot org dot uk