Placements on Handa are widely recognised as important field experience and provide excellent networking opportunities with Trust and RSPB staff, and several seabird researchers. Many former volunteers have gone on to paid employment on Handa and other reserves, and the majority are now employed full-time within the conservation or academic sectors.
If you are 18 or over, have good spoken English plus a good level of health and fitness, then you’ve passed the first test!
If you are able to sleep in a bunk bed in a basic, mixed-sex bothy on a remote Scottish island and feel you have the skills and experience detailed in the role descriptions below, then we’d be keen to hear from you.
Before you apply, please watch this video about long-term volunteering on the island and have a careful read through all of the documents below.
Watch this space for volunteering opportunities.
Please read these documents thoroughly before applying:
Role descriptions
The Trust relies on having a minimum of two weekly volunteers to meet and greet all day visitors to Handa during the tourist season, providing a safe landing and vital information to the tourists. An enjoyable and fulfilling role, we welcome large numbers of new volunteers each year, and many of our weekly volunteers return every summer to lend a hand.
Volunteering on Handa is not just for those wanting experience in conservation, either. Every year we welcome over 45 volunteers of all ages and nationalities, from all walks of life.
We ask that all applicants are over 18, have good spoken English, and have a good level of health, fitness and strength. Being able to live in a basic, mixed-sex bothy, sharing a bunk bed in the main communal room is also essential! Applications from couples or friends are welcome.
Before you apply, please watch this video about weekly volunteering on the island and read through the documents below.
All our slots are now filled for this season.
If you’re really keen, (and a bit flexible) we can add you to our Reserve List. We do occasionally get last minute cancellations.
If you’d really like to volunteer on Handa, and are able to be flexible with your dates, or are available at short notice, please apply anyway, and we will add you to our Reserve List.
Please read these documents thoroughly before applying:
