The title of the volunteer position: Field Communicator for Griffon Vulture Protection
The Biom Association, as the main coordinator with its partners, has been implementing the LIFE SUPport project since January 2023. The project aims to preserve the last remaining population of the Griffon vulture in Croatia, which is located on the islands of the Kvarner Bay. One of the partners in the project is the Public Institution Nature, which manages the Visitor Center and Rescue Center for Griffon Vultures in Beli on the island of Cres. One of the project’s main tasks is to reduce the mortality of Griffon vulture chicks, who, due to inexperience in flying, the position of nests on cliffs above the sea, and disturbance by humans, fall out of their nests. If they are not rescued in time, they lose their lives in the sea. The project aims to improve the rehabilitation process and the release of Griffon vultures into the wild to increase their chances of survival. One important element for ensuring the success of these processes is informing and educating sailors and the public on appropriate behavior near the nesting colonies of vultures. Our future volunteers (maybe it’s you!) will play a crucial role in this!
Description of the activities the volunteer will participate in:
Volunteers will work in pairs, visiting key locations near the Griffon vulture nesting colonies, informing and educating sailors and the public about the rules of behavior near the nests. The locations will be visited by an inflatable boat operated by a licensed skipper. Volunteers will also carry out information and education activities at key sites such as local marinas. Depending on the needs and opportunities, volunteers will assist the staff of the Visitor Center and Rescue Center for Griffon Vultures in Beli in rescuing chicks from the sea.
Location of volunteer work: Cres, Plavnik, Krk, Prvić
Volunteer period: July 1 – August 31, 2025. The minimum period a volunteer can spend in the position is two weeks (preference is given to those who can commit for a month).
Volunteer working hours: 7 hours per day, 5 working days per week (volunteers usually work on weekends, and their two days off are usually during the week). The selection of working days will depend on the weather forecast. In weeks when weather conditions do not allow for volunteering activities, volunteers will have more free days, which they will make up in other weeks when the weather is more favorable for operating the inflatable boat.
What kind of volunteer are we looking for?
The volunteer should be communicative and patient, able to ride an inflatable boat every day (if you are prone to seasickness, unfortunately, this position is not for you). They should know how to swim and be physically agile to assist in rescuing Griffon vulture chicks from the sea if necessary.
What skills will the volunteer develop and improve?
Through this program, the volunteer will have the opportunity to further develop their communication and educational skills, as well as their physical fitness. They will also increase their knowledge about Griffon vultures, their protection, and the island of Cres.
What languages does the volunteer need to know?
Active knowledge of Croatian and English is required, but volunteering is also possible for individuals who are not from Croatia.
How many volunteers are needed?
At least 2 adult volunteers.
What equipment does the volunteer need?
The volunteer should have suitable outdoor footwear and clothing (sturdy shoes like hiking boots, appropriate clothing for staying on a boat, sun and wind protection).
Is it possible for people with disabilities to volunteer for this position?
Volunteering is possible for people with hearing impairments or partial sight, depending on the level of disability. All interested individuals can contact Biom at volonteri@biom.hr for more information about volunteering and to assess whether volunteering is possible. Due to the demanding nature of the terrain and the type of volunteer activities, volunteering is not feasible for individuals with motor or intellectual disabilities.
What kind of training will volunteers receive?
The volunteer will be given instructions on how to communicate with sailors and the public about proper behavior near the Griffon vulture nesting colonies, as well as how to properly embark and disembark from the inflatable boat. The volunteer will also be educated during the volunteering period on how to approach griffon vultures and how to rescue chicks from the sea.
Where will volunteers be accommodated during the volunteering period?
Accommodation for the volunteer is provided and free of charge. The volunteer will be accommodated in the Visitor Center and Rescue Center for Griffon Vultures in Beli on the island of Cres in a double room. The volunteer should bring their own sleeping bag, but if they do not have one, Biom will provide one. The center has a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, and stove. Drinking water is not available at the center.
What about food expenses?
Volunteers will receive a daily allowance of 20 euros per working day.
What about travel expenses?
Volunteers will have their return travel expenses covered by public transport from their home to Cres. Also, during working days, volunteers will be provided with transport by inflatable boat from the Visitor Center and Rescue Center for Griffon Vultures in Beli to nearby Griffon vulture nesting colonies, marinas, and other key locations. The inflatable boat will be operated by a licensed skipper. Depending on the project’s budget, we may be able to provide reimbursement for the volunteer’s return travel by car to Cres and for local travel expenses incurred while performing volunteer activities (e.g., informing the public in local marinas), but this will be determined after the volunteers are selected.
Will volunteers receive any other compensation?
Volunteers will not receive any other financial compensation for volunteering. A volunteer agreement will be signed with each volunteer, and after completing the volunteering period, volunteers will receive certificates confirming their participation. Volunteers will also receive a volunteer package (T-shirt, hat, notebook, thermos cup, tote bag).
How much free time do volunteers have?
Volunteers have 2 free days per week, which they can spend resting on local beaches (we highly recommend Lubenice), exploring the surroundings, hiking, observing griffon vultures at the rehabilitation center, and enjoying all the other charms of summer on the island of Cres.
This all sounds great! How can I apply?
If this volunteer position appeals to you, send us your CV and cover letter to volonteri@biom.hr by April 18, 2025. We will conduct interviews with a shortlist of candidates during the second half of April, and selected candidates will be notified by early May.
