Six months ago, I began working here at Montrose Basin Visitor Centre. I got the post through an SCVO scheme called Community Jobs Scotland, which provides funds for employment for young people such as myself.

Within my job, I have learned countless new skills, not only related to wildlife and conservation, but also customer services, administration, marketing and social media. I’ve also been lucky enough to work with some genuinely lovely people, both staff members and volunteers.

There isn’t really such a thing as a typical day at Montrose Basin. For example, on my second day of the job, two volunteers, and I spend the day fixing the door for the men’s bathroom. I’ve had the opportunity to see swallows and sand martins fledge, and I’ve had the chance to see beautiful birds such as the Kingfisher and Ospreys at very close quarters. On top of this, I’ve been able to meet lots of interesting characters who have visited the centre during my time here. This variety will not only keep you on your toes and make things extremely enjoyable, but it will also give you a lot of different things to put on your CV.

All in all, I would wholeheartedly recommend that anyone between the ages of 18-24 who is unemployed should strongly consider applying for the role of CJS Assistant at Montrose Basin Visitor Centre. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 6 months here, and I really think that anyone who takes the post would too.

Don’t miss your chance to see Montrose from an unusual angle on ‘Journey to the Centre of the Mud’!David Murray – CJS Visitor Centre Assistant