field assistant
Hiring Organization:
Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas
Date Posted:
2008-05-28
Position Description:
Two volunteer field assistants are required to help with the habituation of
western gorillas and/ or agile mangabeys at the Bai Hokou and Mongambe camp
in the Dzanga-Sangha Dense Forest Special Reserve, Central African Republic.
In addition to western lowland gorillas and mangabeys, the region is
exceptional both florally and faunally and renowned for its high mammal
densities including forest elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, bongos, forest
buffalos and various monkey and duiker species. Responsibilities will
primarily include contributing to the habituation of new gorilla groups or
the mangabey group, and collecting data on their diet, behavior and ranging
activities. Additional responsibilities may include conducting phenology,
participating in large mammal surveys, and data entry. Field conditions are
very remote, with limited access to modern conveniences ('running water' is
a nearby waterfall and solar electricity, intermittent)
health care. The candidate must be physically fit and may be required to
work long hours in the dense forest under challenging conditions. Daily
contact with potentially dangerous animals such as elephants, gorillas,
forest buffaloes and venomous snakes can be expected.
Qualifications/
Bachelor's or master's level students seeking to gain experience in
conservation biology, primatology and/or zoology are encouraged to apply.
Opportunities to conduct small, independent thesis projects are available
providing that studies can be carried out alongside habituation work and
that research questions are in-line with the philosophies of the PHP and
DSP. Previous field experience would be extremely valuable, though openings
can be considered entry-level and a 'stepping stone' for someone who is
serious about a career in conservation, field research and/or wildlife
eco-tourism. Additionally, candidates are required to be motivated,
responsible, flexible, mature and amicable, with an ability to work as part
of a multi-national team. Knowledge of French is extremely useful, though a
commitment to learn the local Bantu language, Sango, may suffice. Emergency
evacuation insurance is mandatory (e.g., S.O.S. Insurance co.).
Salary/funding:
Candidates are required to seek independent funding (to cover flight, short
and long-term visa, and subsistence)
Support provided for internship/voluntee
lodging):
The project will provide transport to and from the capital, Bangui.
Accommodation in camp is a basic wooden hut. Communication with home
countries is limited to email via satellite phone (though internet at the
Project's headquarters is available).
Term of Appointment:
One year starting September 2008
Application Deadline:
July 31st
Comments:
Send letter of interest, CV and 2 reference letters to the email address
below: Angelique Todd, WWF Tourism and Primate Habituation
Advisor,Dzanga-
Contact Information:
phpapplications@
Angelique Todd
BP 1053
Bangui
Central African Republic
Website:
http://dzanga-
E-mail Address:
phpapplications@