Period
February-August
Location
Grenada West Indies
Background Information
Ocean Spirits is a locally based NGO that has for the last 13 years been working to help conserve Grenada’s critical sea turtle stocks and habitat through education, research and community development. We are the country coordinator for the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST), and in 2013 will be running the 14th consecutive year of monitoring on Grenada's primary index nesting beach. We are looking for candidates to supervise and manage the day to day activities of this busy monitoring programme
Duties
The leatherback monitoring programme at Levera beach is one of the busiest in the region and requires dedication, hard work and team work to run successfully. As a supervisor of this programme, you will be required to ensure all research activities are carried out to a high standard. This includes - managing night patrols including flipper and PIT tagging, collection of morphometric data; coordinating daily morning surveys on adjacent beaches; monitoring nest emergence and carrying out/managing nest excavations during the hatching season; provide detailed training and supervision for all participants (international and local), be responsible for data collected during research activities, data entry and the maintenance of all research equipment. In addition, where possible you may have the opportunity to participate in the in-water hawksbill catch and release programme.
As team leaders you will be responsible for the well being and safety of up to 40 volunteer research assistants over the entire season (6 months); oversee the smooth day to day running, maintenance and care of the project quaters and participate in the educational component of the project when required.
Requirements
While a large portion of your time is spent working with turtles, an even greater amount of time is spent working with people. Successful candidates MUST have strong people skills and the ability to relate to people of different nationalities and social backgrounds above all else. You will need to be physically fit (potentially walking up to 5km a night on soft sand), have a sense of humour, hold a valid driving license and be First Aid trained or be prepared to undergo certification. Experience of working with groups, a familiarity with working in developing countries and working with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is advantageous.
Benefits/Costs
Food and accommodation will be provided and a small stipend will be paid on a weekly basis. Accommodation is based on a 2 house share with research assistants.
Additional Contact Information
For an application form, please send a letter of introduction and CV to applications@oceanspirits.org