[Coral-List] Marine science position, Madagascar

[Michelle Taylor]

Please do not reply to this email. Contact rod at reefdoctor.org

Marine Science Officer – Post commences mid to late July 2005 

We are looking for one new staff member to join the ReefDoctor science
team in mid July 2005. You will be working alongside three established
science officers, one dive instructor and 4-6 research volunteers in a
fully operational coral reef monitoring, education and conservation
programme in Ifaty, southwest Madagascar. This is a minimum 12 month
contract.

ReefDoctor core research involves monitoring ten coral reef sites to
assess coral reef health, biodiversity and fisheries potential. We have
implemented an artificial reef experimental programme and fish
aggregation device programme. An ongoing fisheries assessment commenced
in April 2005 and regular socio-economic surveys are also conducted.
 
The successful applicant and one other European science officer will be
jointly responsible for all research and science undertakings. 

Specific tasks include:
- surveying of coral reef habitats using SCUBA,
- researching and developing ReefDoctor’s science programmes,
- coordinating socio-economic studies and fisheries surveys, 
- developing and delivering environmental education programmes to local
communities and tourists,
- developing and delivering volunteer education programmes,
- data analysis,
- database (Microsoft Access) maintenance and development,
- report writing e.g. fortnightly reports to UK headquarters, 
community liaison, 
- representing ReefDoctor to scientists, other NGO’s and conservation -
organisations at meetings and conferences, 
- working with local Malagasy students and staff, 
- researching, writing and editing funding proposals.

Applicant Requirements
• Masters in a biological science field (preference to those with
tropical marine ecology work experience) or alternative experience.
• Knowledge of tropical marine survey work (Indo-Pacific coral reef
species preferable) and data collection techniques 
• Ability to read and speak French to a moderate /advanced level,
additional ability to write in French preferable
• Qualified to PADI Advanced Open Water or higher, with underwater
survey experience.
• Strong IT skills, with experience of Microsoft Access database design
and maintenance. 
• Experience working in small teams in isolated, tropical environments.
• Experience working closely with rural communities in developing
countries.
• Ability to work and live in basic conditions. 
• Full driving licence.
• Aged over 21.
• Owns full dive equipment.
• Financial ability to meet return travel costs to south-west Madagascar
(after 9 months work this shall be reimbursed)
• Personal standard medical, dive and travel insurance.
• Ability to work under pressure to deadlines, and within limited
budgets.
• Physically fit with full valid diving medical.
• First aid qualification preferred.
• Adaptable with good practical problem solving abilities

For pay and benefits see:
http://www.reefdoctor.org/documents/Science%20officer%20July%202005.pdf

If you are interested in applying for the position please contact
Roderick Stein-Rostaing at rod at reefdoctor.org, attaching a CV and
covering letter, or telephone  +44 (0) 7968 374153
The deadline for application is early July or until post filled.