Field Assistants - Widecast Latinamericanseaturtles - Osa Sea Turtle Conservation Program
Volunteer Opportunity

Submitted: 2008-03-27 17:24:37
Contact: Fabian Andres Sanchez info@...
WWW Link: http://www.osaseaturtles.org

Period

June 15 - Sept 15
Sept 15 - Dec 15

Location

Costa Rica - Osa Peninsula. Carate, Rio Oro and Pejeperro beaches

Background Information

On the Osa Peninsula during the last five years the program has been developing a regional sea turtle protection, conservation and research activities focusing on the nesting beaches of Carate, Río Oro, Pejeperro and Madrigal, which will result in the gathering of baseline information to contribute to the local, regional and global study of populations of olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Pacific green (Chelonia mydas), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles. Project long-term goals also include (i) To protec the most important sea turtle nesting areas on the Osa Peninsula - Carate, Rio Oro, Pejeperro and Madrigal beaches - through nightly and daily patrols. (ii)To decrease poaching of sea turtle eggs through a community-based initiative. (iii) To standardize and unify methods and techniques (recording data, tagging, and using hatcheries) for sea turtle conservation and management on the Osa Peninsula. (iv) Finally, we look to increase awareness about the importance of sea turtles, their habitat, and all of the Osa's natural ecosystems.

Duties

• To head the volunteer's training period once they arrive at the station.
• To lead beach patrols (night and morning)
• To verify that all of the proper equipment is prepared before patrolling.
• To coordinate and oversee the volunteers’ work at the beach while they are collecting and relocating eggs and data or releasing the hatchlings.
• To make sure the hatchery keeps clean and organized
• Every morning, to make sure that all of the data collected during the previous night is transferred to the data sheets, and to ensure that it is entered into the computer (Data Base).
• To make sure that the nest temperatures are recorded.
• To motivate the volunteers to do their work and follow the rules, and promote a fun working atmosphere at the station

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must at least have some field work experience
• Must have two recommendation letters
• English and Spanish skills are helpful
• Must be able to work well with others
• Must be in good physical condition and be able to work in the tropical climatic conditions (rain, humidity, insects)
• Must fill out and send the application form (www.osaseaturtles.org)
• Must have a passion and determination to work with sea turtles.
• Have a personal insurance policy

Benefits/Costs

Housing and Food are covered while living at the field station. Field Assistants has to cover transportation and inscription fee of $35.

Additional Contact Information

1. Letter indicating why you are interested in the position and personal strong points.
2. CV/Resume
3. Email addresses of two references